Moon, PA- The Women's Rugby team got their first home games of the season last weekend, with a three game series against Allegheny College. Much like the weekend before, RMU won all three matches of the series, advancing to a 6-0 record to start the season. The team looked even stronger in this series than they did the week prior against Clarion, and are cementing themselves as a force to be reckoned with this season. 

Game 1: RMU wins 17-5

Candace Moses scored a try off the opening kickoff for her first career try, and made it 7-0 Colonials in the first minute following a Corenne Burrows conversion. RMU would take that lead into the half as well. Allegheny played a very physical style, which forced RMU to make some halftime adjustments and match the physicality. However, it was RMU's speed advantage that lead to their victory in the first contest. Robert Morris attacked outside Allegheny's defensive set, forcing them to match the speed on the wings. This worked in the Colonials' favor as Sam Zelznik scored in the 10th minute to increase their lead to 12-0. Allegheny would capitalize on a RMU turnover to cut into the deficit, but a last minute try by Madelyn Bashore sealed the win for RMU with a final score 17-5.   

Game 2: RMU wins 15-10

In Game 2, it was Allegheny who got out to the quick start. A 1st minute try but RMU behind early, but not for long. Candace Moses scored her second of the day in the 3rd minute to tie the game at 5-5. Similar to the first half of Game 1 the match was incredible physical. Both sides were making big hits as they entered the half tied. At the half, Coach Smarto made some key substitutions which allowed the Colonials to pick up the pace in the second half. This is what sparked the team to pull ahead late. In the 9th minute, Juliet Adams gave RMU a 10-5 lead following her gutsy try dragging defenders along the way. Allegheny would tie in the 10th minute, but that would be their final try of the match. RMU had one more in the wings thanks to Sam Zelznik's 12th minute breakaway. In a back and forth match, RMU takes Game 2 by a score of 15-10.

Game 3: RMU wins 34-0

This game was all RMU from the opening kickoff to the final whistle. Brianna Allen scored for Robert Morris in the first minute to provide an early 5-0 lead. Candace Moses scored her third straight first half try with her 4th minute effort to double the lead. Allen added her second try of the game right before the half to make it 15-0 for RMU at the break. The offensive onslaught continued after halftime as well with another three tries for Robert Morris. Ciera Thompson, the clubs most senior player made her return to action this weekend. She scored her first try of the season in the 10th minute, pushing the lead to 20-0. Madelyn Bashore then put in double duty in the 12th minute. She scored a try and then made her own conversion, adding another 7 points to the Colonial lead. Finally, rookie Nicole Kepple scored her first career try in only her second career weekend of rugby to cap it off for RMU. Bashore made her second straight conversion off the try, and the Colonials ended it with a convincing 34-0 win.

After the matches, veteran member Ciera Thompson noted, "Everything is starting to click". Referring both to the team's success on the field, and to the team's identity off the field. Next up, the Women's Rugby team puts their undefeated record on the line with a 3 game series against St. Vincent College.

Alexander Gagnon '21
Club Sport Information Director