Allison Mueller/Winonan

The first week of December brought stress and fatigue to students at Winona State University as they flooded the library to prepare for final exams.

But during this time the Winona State women’s rugby team, the Black Katts, were experiencing stress and fatigue on the field rather than at the library.

The Black Katts moved on to the National Final Four held at the Myrtle Lake Sports Complex in Auburndale, Fla. on Dec. 7 and 8.

Making it to the American Collegiate Rugby Association’s DII semi-final for the third time in a row took a lot of hard work and dedication.

Coach Roger Riley said, “By the time we left Winona for the Final Four, we had been practicing for 17 straight weeks, and the players were ready to make something happen.”

Kourtney Kavajecz said the early training and mental preparation for Nationals was the key to the team’s success.

“During the runs you think about winning a National Title, during the drills you push yourself harder because you’re thinking about a National title, and during the sprints at the end you’re craving that National title,” Kavajecz said.

Part of the Black Katts’ preparation for Nationals included practice against the Winona State men’s rugby team.

Holly Vassar said, “We were forced to perfect our tackling, timing and running. A big thank you to the men’s team. Their support was huge for us.”

The Black Katts arrived in Auburndale, Fla. late on Thursday and had an early practice Friday morning to prepare for the games the following two days.

“We limited time for the girls to be out in the sun when not at the games,” coach Joshua Krzewinski said. “We loaded them full of water to stay hydrated and had lots of study time for finals.”

The Black Katts faced Kutztown on Saturday in the semi-final. Vassar made it a quick score of 12-0 in the beginning of the game.

Kutztown was only able to score five points in the first half while the Black Katts scored 29.

The Black Katts dominated the second half as Vassar and Georgia Porter added their second tries of the game, while Hillary Zimmer hit her second penalty.

With the score 42-5 Kutztown answered with a try. The Black Katts responded with back-to-back scores by Lyndsey Bucki, making the game 52-10.

Kutztown managed to score one last time before the end of the game. The Black Katts won 52-17 and were moving on to the championship game against Notre Dame College the next day.

Vassar said that the night before the final game the players and coaches got together to talk about their upcoming opponent. After the coaches left, the team had “sister bonding time.”

“Our team is a family; in order to play well we need to trust each other 100 percent in every aspect of the game,” Vassar said. “Spending time with each other off the field helps build the trust that is the make-it or break-it for our team.”

The two teams came out strong the first half of the championship game on Dec. 8. Notre Dame scored the first points 16 minutes in.

Holly Edelburg answered with a try for the Black Katts shortly after, bringing the game 5-7.

With five minutes left in the first half, Notre Dame scored another seven points, but Sydney Norman was able to score a try quickly before the whistle blew, making the game 10-14. The Black Katts came out strong and dominated the second half.

Kavajecz said, “I could feel the desire and the sheer willpower radiating from my teammates out on that field and it spread like wildfire.”

After Caitlin Courtney, Porter and Vassar all scored as a result of a team effort, Nikki Lindberg finished off the game with a try, making the final score 28-14.

“When the last whistle blew, many tears were shed and hugs exchanged,” Vassar said.

There was little time for celebration since the Black Katts had to attend the awards ceremony and then catch their flight.

Heather Kohl, Kathryn Zahn, Rachel Hunter, Bucki and Porter received All Tournament Team, and Emilee Burkhalter received the Sportsperson Award. Vassar also received All Tournament Team as well as Tournament MVP.

There were mixed emotions as Riley is retiring from his position as head coach after 13 years.

Vassar recalled hearing shouts of, “Let’s make Roger proud!” from the crowd as motivation during the championship game.

“Being able to give Roger a National Championship was one of the best feelings I’ve ever experienced,” Vassar said. “He’s worked harder than any of us have for it.”

Riley said, “The players were elated, and I got hugged so many times that my glasses were broken by getting squeezed against my chest.”

On the flight back home, the flight attendants made an announcement on the airplane that the Winona State women’s rugby team were National champions.

“Every girl on the trip had the biggest smile on that airplane, and I just felt so proud to have been with them in this journey,” Krzewinski said.

Krzewinski will be taking over as head coach for the Black Katts next year.

“We will miss Roger but have utmost faith that Josh will help continue to challenge us as players and our success will carry on,” Kavajecz said.

The team is determined to win another National title and, with many players graduating or not returning due to travel studies next season, they are willing to work even harder to achieve their goal.

Krzewinski said, “I reminded the girls that this is something no one can ever take away from them–being National champions.”

Contact Allison at [email protected]