Reid Peters / Winonan
Throughout the last few years, the Winona State University women’s rugby team has shown its dominance, participating in five Division II College Fall championships.
The Black Katts outscored their opponents 256-0 en route to a championship victory last weekend at the Woodside 7’s tournament in Mauston, Wis.
The Black Katts play two seasons throughout the year, one in the fall and one in the spring. This was the Black Katts first tournament of the season and one of many 7-on-7 tournaments scheduled.
Winona State had success last year debuting in 7-on-7 play, which is a significantly different game than the regular 15-on-15. They won all three 7s tournaments they entered with scores of 180-39, 147-0 and 173-12.
Junior All-American and captain Lanoira Duhart led the victories last weekend while having to play out of position at scrumhalf because of the difference of gameplay between 7s and 15s.
The 7s were recently introduced to Midwest programs over the last couple years, so many teams are not used to the change.
Senior flanker Amanda Custode, who has been apart of the team since fall of 2012, said the 7s tournament is still relatively new for the team.
“Teams are just getting used to 7s in the Midwest,” Custode said. “A lot of programs are struggling with it so far.”
The weekend consisted of five games, three on the first day and two on the second.
Custode said Winona State takes pride in their defense and makes it a mission to leave the opposing team scoreless.
Winona State rugby academic advisor Roger Riley has been with the program for nine years and used to serve as the head coach before his retirement. Riley, who was born in New Zealand, grew up playing rugby and has had a successful career to show for it.
The Katts current head coach, Josh Krzewinski, played for the Winona State men’s rugby team from 1994-1999 and preceded to coach them for 10 years before joining the Katts coaching staff in 2011.
The Katts have compiled a 122-12 record over the last five years, leaving them with a winning percentage of 91 percent. They have outscored opponents 6,054-753.
Off the field, the Black Katts make a concentrated effort to give back to the community during the off-season. When Blooming Grounds Café burned down Sept. 13, 2013, the Katts worked in assembly-line fashion to clean out the building of its burnt items, according to Custode.
The Black Katts continue their 7-on-7 schedule next weekend in Cottage Grove, Wis. for the Great Waters 7s tournament.
