The University of Mary Washington women’s rugby team won the 2014 USA Rugby Division II National Championship in California. The UMW team defeated Cal State Northridge in the championship match 36-22 on Sunday, May 11.
This is the first national championship for a UMW sport club program, according to Mark Mermelstein, director of campus recreation and the fitness center.
“I could not be any more proud of our women’s rugby team,” Mermelstein said. “This storied program has a history of success both on the pitch and within the UMW community. Congratulations to coaches Kris Kabza and Bill Lucas and this outstanding group of student-athletes. I am looking forward to welcoming home our first-ever national champions!”
Two members of the UMW team have been invited to the USA Rugby Women’s All-American camp, and Kristina Rader ’14 has been named the finals MVP.
This year marked the team’s fourth trip to the finals. The team finished third in 2002, 2004 and 2005.
UMW women’s rugby, a club sport since 1985, competes in both the spring and fall. For more information about the team, visit http://www.marywashwomensrugby.com/.
GO UMW Rugby!