The Westfield State University Women’s Rugby Club, coached by Miles Cipriano, kicked off their season on Saturday morning at Babson College. The Westfield Owls played a scrimmage against the Babson Beavers, which allowed new players, who make up the majority of each team, to get their feet wet in the sport of rugby.

The teams played two 20-minute games, with Babson winning the first game by a score of 17-12. Westfield responded by winning game two 10-5. Points were earned by freshman Hannah Bonvie and sophomore Laura Masucci. Masucci was also named Woman of the Match.

Westfield’s team is made up of mostly rookies, and most players are underclassmen. However, according to captain Amanda Latini, “the girls have worked really hard and have been coming together as a team.” Latini also noted that the team has more members this year, which will allow them to play 15’s games, instead of only 7’s and 10’s.

Next week, the Owls face the WPI Goats in a 15’s game. Because many newcomers have not played 15’s yet, Latini says that “The upcoming week of practice has to focus on the dynamic of a 15’s rugby game.” She goes on to say, “we just have to put in the work to completely understand the game to be able to play at WPI’s level.”

Westfield will play WPI next Saturday in Worcester.