Allison Mueller/Winonan

Saturday’s women’s rugby game in Mankato brought strong winds, heavy rain and a huge 41-0 win for Winona State University’s Black Katts.

Coming into the game, with both teams undefeated, the Black Katts knew this game against Mankato State was important and losing was not an option.

Senior Holly Vassar, who plays strong and weak side flanker, said, “They are currently ranked above us in the standings due to them scoring more points than we have this season. If we do not win this game, we don’t go to nationals.”

Vassar was nervous before this game just like every other game but said, “I am confident in my teammates and coaches. If we play together as one, I have no doubts in our ability to win this game.”

Senior Emilee Burkhalter, who plays hooker, said the team had to go into the game with the right mentality in order to come out on top.

“For each game I don’t ever try to think ‘Oh we have to beat them.’ Each game you just have to think ‘I have to play as hard as I possibly can.’” Burkhalter said.

To prepare for this important game, coach Roger Riley spent a lot of time on tackling and defensive responsibilities during practice.

This focus in practice paid off, for the Black Katts held Mankato and didn’t let them score at all.

Before the first whistle blew, the team was completely focused after completing their silent warm ups. After an inspirational quote and a team chant, the starting 15 took the field.

With a lot riding on the game, the Black Katts started strong. After a pass from Georgia Porter to Kathryn Zahn, the Black Katts scored in the seventh minute of the game.

Battling the weather, Hillary Zimmer’s long-range penalty kick into the wind came up short of the posts after Caitlin Courtney scored, bringing the game 10-0. The first half ended with Ashley Pomeroy’s score off a ruck and Katie Dries converting the try, making it 17-0.

Soaked and with the lead propelling them into the second half, Rachel Hunter scored a try right away, and Dries converted, bringing the score 24-0. Andrea White then scored, followed by Georgia Porter who picked up a loose ball and scored after Nadia Nassif nailed the Mankato scrumhalf. Dries converted after this, making the score 36-0.

With the game coming to an end, the Black Katts needed to finish strong despite their huge lead. Holly Edelburg intercepted a Mankato pass and ran up the field before being tackled. Kathryn Zahn then ran in and for her second try of the game, making the final score 41-0.

Although the Black Katts had beat Mankato State the past couple of seasons, Riley said, “We knew they were an emerging team, and we didn’t want our players to take them lightly.”

Riley had felt confident going into this game and thought that the Black Katts played very well.

“They showed more focus than in previous games,” Riley said. “Our defense really stepped up and that was pleasing.”

The coaches still find things that need improvement and continue to push the Black Katts to be even better.

“Roger Riley, Josh Krzewinski and Sherry Hazelmore put in countless hours making sure we are prepared mentally and physically for games,” Vassar said. “With their dedication, along with every talented player on our team I have high expectations for many games to come.”

Contact Allison at [email protected]