PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Army West Point women’s rugby team kicked off its 7s season Saturday at Brown University, splitting its squad into two competitive teams – Gold and Black – and showcasing a promising start to the spring season. The Black Knights faced a challenging field of opponents, demonstrating both offensive firepower and defensive resilience in a series of fast-paced matches. The Army Black team finished second while Army Gold secured a third-place finish, signaling a strong foundation for the remainder of their 7s campaign. This early-season tournament provided valuable playing time and experience as the team prepares for upcoming competitions, including next weekend’s Sacred Heart 7s in Fairfield, Connecticut.
The 7s format, a variation of traditional rugby, features seven players per side and emphasizes speed, agility and open-field running. It’s a growing sport, particularly among collegiate athletes, and Army’s participation highlights the increasing prominence of women’s rugby within the U.S. Military academies. The Black Knights’ performance at Brown underscores the dedication and skill of these athletes, who balance rigorous academic schedules with the demands of competitive rugby.
Army Black Dominates Early Contests
The Army Black team began its day with a decisive 22-5 victory over Northeastern University. Grace Macune opened the scoring with the first try of the game, quickly followed by a successful conversion from Alyssa Eisenhart, establishing an early 7-0 lead. The Black Knights continued to build momentum, adding tries from Taimane Fiatoa and another from Macune, extending their advantage to 17-0. Ellie Kearney sealed the win with a final try, showcasing the team’s ability to capitalize on opportunities.
Building on their initial success, Army Black continued their strong performance with a commanding 33-0 shutout against Brown University’s second team. Yesenia Morales sparked the offense with the opening try, and the team never looked back. This victory marked the first clean sheet of the day for the Black Knights, demonstrating their defensive prowess. They followed this up with another shutout, defeating American International College (AIC) 21-0. Fiatoa and Morales each contributed tries, with Eisenhart converting both, further solidifying their dominance.
The championship game proved to be a tougher test, as Army Black faced Brown University’s top team. Despite a hard-fought battle, they ultimately fell short, losing 29-17. While the loss prevented them from claiming the tournament title, the team’s overall performance demonstrated their potential and competitive spirit.
Army Gold Shows Promise in Competitive Field
The Army Gold team also enjoyed a successful start to the tournament, opening with a convincing 37-0 win over the Coast Guard Academy. Molly Kennedy drew first blood with the opening try, setting the tone for a dominant performance. The team quickly established a 20-0 lead by halftime, with a multitude of players contributing to the score. In the second half, Zoe Weimer, Marissa Wollbrinck, and Gwen Gilchrist added further tries, completing the shutout victory.
Army Gold continued their winning streak with a 36-0 triumph over St. Bonaventure University. Bekah Shepkosky initiated the scoring, followed by tries from Kennedy, Leila Galarza (who scored twice), and Addison Bowman. The team’s ability to spread the scoring responsibilities highlighted their depth and versatility. However, they faced a significant challenge in their match against Brown’s top squad, ultimately falling 43-0.
Determined to finish strong, the Gold team rallied for a 17-5 victory over AIC in the third-place match. Bowman, Elene Andrade, and Kennedy each scored tries in the first half, establishing a 17-0 lead. The team maintained their composure in the second half, conceding only five points to secure a well-deserved third-place finish.
Looking Ahead to the Sacred Heart 7s
The Army West Point women’s rugby team will now turn its attention to the Sacred Heart 7s next Saturday in Fairfield, Connecticut. Sacred Heart University will host the tournament, providing another opportunity for the Black Knights to test their skills against a competitive field. The team will undoubtedly seem to build on the positive momentum generated at Brown, refining their strategies and strengthening their teamwork as they progress through the season. The early results suggest a promising future for Army Women’s Rugby, and fans can expect continued growth and success as the season unfolds.
The team’s performance this weekend demonstrates the growing strength of women’s rugby programs across the country. For those interested in learning more about the sport and following the Army West Point team’s progress, regular updates and schedules can be found on the Army West Point Athletics website.
What did you think of Army’s performance at the Brown 7s? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow rugby fans!
