Rugby claims second place at 7s tourney

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Stephanie Bigley

UW Oshkosh defender chases down a Warhawk forward. Oshkosh Black went 0-2 and Oshkosh Gold 2-1 at UW-Eau Claire’s Iron Women 7s tournament.

Ally Gwidt, Assistant Sports Editor

The UW Oshkosh women’s rugby team took home second place at UW-Eau Claire’s Iron Woman 7s tournament on Saturday in Eau Claire.

The Titans, who have placed either first or second in all three of their competitions so far this spring season, split up into two teams, Oshkosh Gold and Oshkosh Black, for the nine-team tournament.

Oshkosh Black defeated UW-Stevens Point 22-12 in their opening match before dominating the Blugolds on home turf 25-10.

With the two wins, Oshkosh Black advanced to represent the Titans in the championship round against Eau Claire.

The Titans came up short 25-15 to the Blugolds, sending UWO home with a second-place trophy.

Oshkosh Gold went 0-2 in their weekend matchups against UW-Whitewater and DePaul University (Ill.), losing 15-12 to the Warhawks and 24-12 to the Blue Demons, respectively.

Senior forward Olivia Juel of the Oshkosh Black led all Titans with 22 points totaled over three games, including a 10-point performance in their second matchup against Eau Claire.

Juel said it all comes down to the team’s effort that allows her to have tournaments like this one.

“As someone who has played a few years, I’ve learned to view the field a little differently to check for holes where breakaways could happen,” Juel said. “Communicating with my teammates and having faith that they can do their job on the field allows us as a team to find those holes and score more than our opponents. There is not just one person who carries the team, we all have to work together.”

The Titans will conclude their season by hosting UWO’s annual Promball 7s tournament this Saturday.

Promball is played in prom dresses and will be held at the East Hall Fields on the UWO campus. The seven-team tournament has free admission and will start at 9 a.m. and go until 1:20 p.m.