LONDON, Ont. - The Western Women’s Rugby team played their last game of the season on Saturday Ocotber 15, facing long-time rivals the Guelph Gryphons in the OUA quarter finals. Despite Western's 56-7 loss, the Mustangs were proud of their performance. In a matter of 4 weeks since their first encounter with the Gyrphons (Sep 17), the Mustangs were able to make huge improvements in their game and cut down the point differential by 46 points. Teamwork and perseverance, as well as a gritty performance, enabled the Mustangs to implement a strong defensive game plan and shine at the point of contact.
After a disheartening one point loss against Waterloo the previous week, which forced the Mustangs into fourth place and left to face the No. 1 Gryphons in the first round of the playoffs, the Mustangs responded by continuing their hard work in practice, going into Saturday’s game with a positive attitude.
“No matter what the score was or what Guelph tried to throw at us we stayed strong and pushed right back,” said Western co-captain and graduating player
Allison Walker (Allie). “The passion and intensity that the Mustangs showed during that game is a clear example of how much potential they have for next year and a real reason why other teams should be afraid to play this whole new team next year.”
The Mustangs have made huge strides this season, working hard, and learning to play well together.
“We improved each game we played, week after week, and the athletes were willing to continuously develop and improve from game to game”, says Western Coach Natascha Wesch, who was pleased with her team’s performance on Saturday.
“We really came together as a team in our last game. It was a fitting way to cap off the season because we worked so hard to develop our team culture in the right way,” said Wesch. “It takes time to build a program the right way and having total buy-in from the athletes is critical to success.”
The Mustangs showed a great deal of character this season, maintaining their focus and believing in the process even when the fruits of their labour did not translate to the scoreboard. A key to the positive attitude demonstrated by the team this year is the core group of veterans who were excited to put in the work necessary to achieve success.
The team also includes many talented young athletes, with 22 of the team’s 32 players in first or second year.
Lori Josephson, a second year student and Western Athlete of the Week, believes in the process, stating:
“With our team we know we are underdogs, we are a young team although we have a great amount of talent that is all coming together. Rugby would be no fun without challenges to face and struggles to overcome. Each and every one of us are committed to the process of excellence and coming into next season is where it will show from the heart.”
The off-season will be very important for growth and development. While the season is officially over, the Mustangs will continue in the weight room, and on the field as long as the weather permits, before moving to indoor practices. Strength training will be emphasized, reducing the risk of injury in next year’s season.
The Mustangs players, coaches, staff and fans are looking forward to next season with optimism, determined to hit the ground running in their first game: September 8, 2012.