UCLA vs. CC — April 9, 2005

Is it a Cinderella or Bad News Bears story in the making? You decide.

UCLA Women's Rugby Club showed up Saturday ready to play Claremont College and finish the regular season the only way a Bruin knows how to, by being 15 as 1.

From the gate, Bruins were out and aggressive; quick to rucks and mauls, grabbing for the ball and running with it. Within the first three minutes, scrum half Diana Tran utilized our game plan by scooting to the outside and running 35 meters downfield. With 15 meters to go and winger Amy Christensen in support, Tran passed off for UCLA's first try of the match. UCLA 5 — CC 0.

UCLA, on fire from their quick score, lead a fiery first half. Defense stuffed CC with every possession, never once letting them cross the try line. Offensively, the Bruins played as a team, supporting each other in every ruck, maul, and break-away. Unfortunately, UCLA's aggression—impressive as it was—cost them a penalty try. UCLA 5 — CC 5. UCLA did not let that deflate them, and came out even stronger with the next whistle.

Deep in their own territory, Claremont had possession in the scrum. Intense pressure from Tran led to a bobbled ball by Claremont's flyhalf. As she did throughout the game, Tran capitalized on a Claremont error by grabbing the ball mid air to come down for the try. UCLA 10 — Claremont 5.

Forwards, led by Murray and Griffin, kept up the fight, committing to rucks, grappling for the ball, and quickly capitalizing on Claremont mistakes. With minutes left to go in the first half, a ruck formed, leading to Tran picking up the ball. Close to the try line Tran is tackled but of course has tremendous support from #8 Erin Murray. Murray, ready for the ball, ran but was stopped short of the try line with a tackle. Fortunately, thanks to Murray's 7 foot wing span, she was able to reach the ball down just over the tryline for UCLA's third and final score. UCLA 17 — Claremont 8.

Second Half

What a half! Defense! Defense! Defense! Claremont came out strong, aggressively attacking on every front. CC threatened throughout the half and up until the end. Numerous knock-ons, on top of UCLA's impressive defense stopped them again and again. The Bruins went back and forth for 40 minutes fighting tooth and nail for every inch they gained and lost. Final score: UCLA 17 — CC 8.

As we all know, offense scores tries, but defense scores victories! (Then again, Tran made a good post-game comment: offense wins games, defense wins championships!) Let's keep that mentality on through nationals girls!

Bruin women ruggers are an amazing group of girls. To come out in their first year and win division 2 in SoCal rugby is an accomplishment few can claim! Your coaches—Felicia, Marni, Stuart, and Lisa—couldn't be more proud.

Final words? Can we say, "ROAD TRIP?"

Starting Lineup

Yolanda "Yoyo" Negrete
Ivette Castillo
Saerim Luciano
Erin Kane (to #3)
Michelle Kwandham
Jennifer Chase
Kelly Griffin
Erin Murray (C)
Diana Tran
Shu Ong
Amy Christensen
Laura Hurley
Aerin Cho
Mary Lee
Marisa "Middy" Pineda

Substitutions

Natalie "Tally" Hall (to #4)
Julia Notar (to #14)
Camilla Liou

A special thanks goes out to the many supporters out there today, family, friends, alumni, and UCLA admin. The support means so much, and goes a long way.

Speaking on behalf of the four coaches, an extra-special thanks goes out to Tam Breckenridge, for showing us in our years of playing the skills and techniques of good coaching.

If any remarks are in error please accept writer's apologies as she was unable to attend the match in person, but was there whole-heartedly in spirit. Thanks Kaetch for the telephone commentary!