The women’s rugby team, the Sledgehammers, may be new to the Yellowjacket’s sports community, but they have quickly become champions. Playing in the biggest game in UR women’s rugby history, the Sledgehammers edged SUNY Albany 27-21 in a toughly fought game to take home the New York State Division III Championship title. Despite facing a stiff challenge from previously undefeated SUNY Albany, the Sledgehammers came into the game last Saturday brimming with confidence.
The Sledgehammers took control early and held on for a 27-21 victory. In their first official season playing at the Division III level, the team has surpassed all expectations compiling a 6-0 record and outscoring opponents 205 to 40.
Assistant coach Jay Diamond helped explain the success of the team.
‘It’s been an overall team effort from game one,” Diamond said. ‘From the backs to the forwards, everyone has been doing a really great job.”
Team effort is one thing that all of the girls agree is one of their strengths.
‘We have really good chemistry,” sophomore forward Claire Ennist said. ‘A lot of teams have a few good players, but on our team, I always feel like everyone is equal. We all do our job.”
It’s this kind of team play that gives the Sledgehammers an edge against anyone they face. UR have a chance to beat any team playing at this level.
With the victory over Albany on Saturday, the Sledgehammers advanced to the Division III National Semifinals. The Sledgehammers play East Stroudsburg University in Cherry Hill on Saturday, Nov. 21.
Cohen is a member of the class of 2012.
