Lady Ruggers dominated by Stingers


Monday, March 23, 1998	Lady Ruggers dominated by Stingers By KATIE LEWIS Collegian Sports Writer Going into its game against the Maryland Stingers Saturday, the Penn State women's rugby team knew the second-best club team in the nation would pose a threat to its defense. At least the Lady Ruggers knew what they were getting themselves into as Maryland dominated the entire game and won 83-5.
`Penn State Women's Rugby Home Page`	Penn State coach Peter Steinberg said playing teams like the Stingers is always tough, but it enables the Ruggers to see their weaknesses and allows them to compete against some of the best international players in the world. "Today did a couple of things," Steinberg said. "It showed us that our defense and rucking were not as good as I'd hoped, and that playing these kinds of teams gives us something to aspire to."
Penn State Rugger Jen Sikora runs with the ball away from a Maryland Stinger Saturday at the pitch behind the Flower Gardens. Penn State fell by a count of 83-5. (Collegian Photo/Megan K. Morr - click for full size image)	The Ruggers lone try came from All-American Jen Sikora. Sikora had a 60-yard run down the right side of the field to put the Ruggers on the scoreboard in the first half. Due to an injury, Sikora later left the game. But the Stingers answered with another try, proving again the Rugger defense would have to contain Maryland's backs to keep the game low-scoring. Maryland fullback and U.S. National Team member Kim Cyganik said the annual spring meeting against Penn State always shows the Ruggers to be a tough and well-conditioned team. "Today we tried to play a game of rugby without mistakes," Cyganik said. "We have a big tournament next weekend that will secure us a place at (women's club) nationals so this was great preparation." This game also helped the Ruggers gain confidence for collegiate nationals in May when they hope to defend their title. Rugger wing Sarah Thorn said the first game of the spring season gave the team a good indication of where it stands and what it will need to work at improving. "We played a much higher level than college today, so it helps to make us a better team," Thorn said. The Stingers' experience and size gave them an advantage in winning scrums and lineouts, which may have been the difference in the game. Penn State hooker Jen Ellefson said the team is looking to be more aggressive, especially on defense. "Typically, club teams like Maryland are bigger and faster," Ellefson said. "If we make a mistake, they're able to capitalize on it." Steinberg said his team will not see another team like Maryland the rest of the season, not even at nationals. "One of the most important things we need to work on is fitness," he said. Steinberg said this will be essential next weekend when the Ruggers face Navy and Radcliffe, two teams they will vie against in May for the national title.