Wildcat rugby faced tough competition for its first game of the season last Thursday against South Dakota State University in Brookings.

With a current roster of 80 players, including new members, this was a good match for newcomers to learn the ropes.

“With this being our first game of the season, it was a little rough. Most of us haven’t played all summer so this game was going to be an eye-opener as to where we are at to start of the season,” Junior Katie Kirkpatrick said.

“On Thursday we didn’t have quite enough veterans to fill out a full team but the younger girls were ready and willing to help us out and step up. I could not be more proud of the new rookies and how they have stepped up this last two weeks.”

The women’s rugby club, despite being a bit rusty with passing and adding the new players, showed they earned that number-one national title, winning 41-0.

“I think the thing I loved most about the game last Thursday, was just getting to play with my teammates again. I love the bond we have as a team and working together with them on the field is such a great experience, I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Kirkpatrick said.

Jasmine Kovacs led WSC in scoring with a 22 and 10-yard run.

The fifth-rated men’s rugby team also competed against SDSU and lost 24–7, proving just how tough SDSU is.

SCSU was big and extremely physical, leading the first half 17-0. However, WSC improved in the second half, which left the teams fairly even while playing.

On the men’s team, Charlie Caniglia stood out, making two touchdown runs of 10 and 8 yards.

“We did very well for the first game and, as expected, a bit rusty, like anytime you have a first game after a long layoff,” rugby coach Darrin Barner said.