A massive, inexorable force that seems to crush everything in its way. So defines the 2006 edition of Colgate women’s rugby club. Dubbed the “Lady Juggernauts” early in the year, the Club played what turned out to be their final game in the New York State Championship semi-finals on Saturday, October 28.

In a thrilling see-saw match that featured three lead changes, three tries and three penalty kicks, Colgate ended their season 12 points short of reaching the collegiate final. Brockport State came into the game boasting an undefeated record of 5-0, averaging over 30 points per game, while allowing 0.0 against.

Sustained pressure from forwards sophomore Lisa Hummel, senior Christine Susienka, senior Talia Cmaylo, junior Carla Jacobs, first-year Samantha Zuhlke, junior Kara Culgin, first-year Megan Heise and sophomore Alexandra Fay forced a penalty, which scrumhalf. Junior Amanda Williams calmly slotted from 15 meters out to end Brockport’s perfect defensive season. Thus ended the first-half with Colgate trailing 5-3.

Early in the second half, the Raiders captured the lead 6-5, again courtesy of a Williams’ boot. With 15 minutes remaining, Brockport converted a penalty kick of their own to regain the lead, 8-6.

As time dwindled, the back-line division of senior Jess Minck, junior Jamie Breedlove, junior Sydney Jones and the all first-year back three of Becky Kahn, Laura McDonald and Hannah Feldman were forced to attack from everywhere on the pitch. The high-risk strategy (while exciting for the fans) had it’s perils and enabled the opponents to score two tries in the closing minutes.

Congratulations to the all those players making the championship travel squad including Madeline MacNeil, Jennifer Rusciano, Brittany Messenger, Katie Gunderson, Emily Grose, Shae Frydenlund, Ashley Dronsfield, Elena Dowling, Abby Byrne, Alson Asiello, Sara Avni, Madeline Adams and Erika Rader.

Next up for the women’s rugby football club is the 2007 spring season. Among other fixtures, the team will be hosting the Colgate University Women’s Invitational Rugby Tournament. New and experienced rugby players are always welcome.