Fort Miami Women's Rugby Recap: Ruggerfest 10s Tournament Success
On December 7th, the Fort Miami Women's Rugby teams made a strong impression at the Ruggerfest 10s Tournament held in Fort Lauderdale. With both an A-side and B-side squad competing, Fort Miami showed resilience, teamwork, and plenty of individual brilliance on the field. The results were a testament to the hard work and growth of the players, with both teams achieving impressive outcomes.
The A-side team had an outstanding tournament, finishing pool play with a perfect 4-0 record. Their dominant performance in the early rounds showcased their skill and teamwork, but the championship match proved to be a challenging test. In a tight final against Cayman Islands Women's Rugby, Fort Miami fought valiantly but ultimately came up short, finishing second in the tournament.
Despite the loss, the A-side team's performance was nothing short of impressive, with standout contributions from several key players. Morgan Freeman was a force to be reckoned with, scoring 9 tries, converting 8 kicks, and contributing 18 tackles—an all-around stellar performance. Morgan Walker added 3 tries to the tally and was also a defensive powerhouse with 20 tackles, while Avery Hansen made her presence felt with 22 tackles and 2 tries, showing her strong defensive skills and ability to contribute offensively.
The B-side team also had a remarkable showing at Ruggerfest, finishing in 3rd place overall. Although they faced tougher competition, the B-side squad demonstrated determination and resilience, proving themselves to be a formidable team in their own right.
Several players shone for the B-side, including Andrea Tianga, who was a key try-scorer with 3 tries and 8 tackles, showcasing her attacking and defensive capabilities. Another exciting moment was Geneva Alpert scoring her very first try with Fort Miami, a significant milestone in her rugby journey. Jessica Smith, the B-side’s defensive anchor, led her team with 20 tackles and also contributed a try, providing strong leadership throughout the tournament.
One of the most exciting aspects of the tournament was the success of our rookies. In total, 15 different players crossed the try line for Fort Miami, with many of them scoring their first tries for the team. This mix of experienced players and eager newcomers highlights the depth of talent emerging within the Fort Miami Women's Rugby program. The future of the team looks bright, with so many players contributing to the team's success and gaining invaluable experience.
Fort Miami Women's Rugby has plenty to be proud of following the Ruggerfest 10s Tournament. Both teams demonstrated excellent rugby skills, hard work, and camaraderie on the field. The A-side team’s second-place finish and the B-side’s third-place finish are just the beginning of what promises to be a successful season. As we move forward, the growth of our players, especially the rookies, will be a key focus as we continue to build a strong and competitive team. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights as we prepare for future competitions!