Lady Ruggers stung by top Maryland squad

It would be easy to see the 47-7 final score and think the Penn State women's rugby team had an unproductive Saturday afternoon. And it would be easy to see the final and think the Lady Ruggers are in trouble, with the national championships just five weeks away.

The women's rugby team was playing the Maryland Stingers, considered one of the country's premier women's teams. And the Lady Ruggers were playing without a full complement of players.

"In the first half we played really well. We played with them," Lady Rugger coach Pete Steinberg said. "In the second half the team got a little down after losing our captain."

Megan Brown, the team's sophomore captain, injured her wrist just before halftime and didn't return. She left the field thinking her right wrist was broken but learned she had suffered a partial dislocation. She shouldn't miss any time.

"We didn't need any more injuries," Brown said.

The team's recent string of injuries, including a pair of players who tore anterior cruciate ligaments within the last month, was halted for at least one week. Now the team can concentrate on other facets of the game.

"We need to work on our fitness," Steinberg said. "It was the first full game for a lot of us. You can run as much as you want, but match fitness is very different."

The Stingers boast four players with international experience and others who have been playing rugby for upwards of 15 years. Most of the Lady Ruggers have been playing the sport for two or three years.

"They (the Stingers) are head and shoulders above," Steinberg said.

However, playing a team the caliber of the Stingers only helps make the Lady Ruggers better.

"We learn an incredible amount when we play those types of teams," said Lady Rugger senior Stacy Boyle, who was at the game Saturday but didn't play because of a bothersome right knee. "It was good for me to watch."

The Lady Ruggers took an early lead when Erica Shank scored a try and Brown converted a two-point conversion. From then on, though, the Stingers took control. And while the Stingers were increasing the lead, they also were offering some advice.

"During game, they (the Stingers) try to help you," Brown said. "After the game they were talking to us and giving us pointers."

And in the end, a 47-7 loss wasn't so unproductive afterall.