• 2008
  • February 24, 2008
  • February 16, 2008
  • February 11, 2008*
  • January 19, 2008
• 2007
  • March 04, 2007
  • March 04, 2007*
  • February 24, 2007
  • February 24, 2007*
  • January 28, 2007*
  • January 27, 2007
• 2006
  • February 04, 2006
  • January 15, 2006
  • January 15, 2006*
• 2005
  • April 09, 2005
  • February 19, 2005
  • February 14, 2005
  • January 30, 2005
  • January 22, 2005
  • January 15, 2005

UCLA vs. UCSD — January 15, 2006

A new Bruin rugby season has begun with a bang in Division I. Last year, in their inaugural year in the Southern California Collegiate Division II, UCLA women tromped their competition to represent SoCal at Sweet 16 in Santa Cruz, CA. Because of UCLA's results, they have moved up to challenge teams in Division I. The Bruins were up to the challenge, and proved Sunday that they deserve to be there.

Once again, as in every game last year, UCLA were smaller in stature, but bigger in heart. From the beginning whistle, UCLA dominated in aggression and maintained possession well. However, from the start UCLA also went into ruck too high and from the side resulting in too many penalties. UCSD capitalized on the slow reaction of Bruin players to get back ten. Penalty after penalty brought the Bruins an early loss of points. UCLA 0 —UCSD 5 (12 minutes).

Bruin defense was strong from start to end. Loosies Pineda, Murray, and Griffin kept the UCSD forwards at bay, while scrum half Dara Yung never allowed the opposing 9 to progress up field with the ball. Yung also had numerous scoots herself, leading to several breakaways by teammates. The back 3, led by Shu Ong (and the rest of the A.I.), had excellent flat line defense, making UCSD look for room on the outside. #11 Jennifer Chase must have had Wheaties for breakfast, as not one UCSD player was able to get through her. She literally made every single tackle that cam her way! Although Bruin defense was strong, penalties proved once again to be their crux, allowing UCSD to score. UCLA 0 — UCSD 12 (37 minutes).

Second Half

From kickoff, the Bruins were defending their territory. UCSD came out quick and made another try. UCLA 0 — UCSD 17 (45 minutes). The Bruins kept up with their aggression, open field pick-n-runs kept UCSD on their toes. Many Bruin players had great runs, including prop Luciano, and flanker Griffin. Griffin was able to capitalize on her 50-meter break away to sidestep and overrun 5 UCSD players to go in for a score. Pineda kicked. UCLA 7 — UCSD 17 (57 minutes).

In the end, the Bruins had much better teamwork and support. The Rangers held their heads high, knowing that they played an excellent match, have things to work on, and will be ready for more action next weekend in San Diego. This season is expected to be nothing but intense all the way through.

Final Score UCLA 7 — UCSD 22 (70 minutes).

Thank you to all parents and supporters for coming out on such a chilly day. We hope to see more supports at our next home match, February 26th against ASU. Lastly, a big thanks to all the Bruin Rangers for their nothing-but-the-best rugby attitude. You are phenomenal!

Starting Lineup

1. Saerim Luciano
2. Ivette Castillo
3. Julia Notar
4. Anita Bradbury
5. Rojia Shahsavani
6. Middy Pineda
7. Kelly Griffin
8. Erin Murray
9. Dara Yung (C)
10. Shu Ong
11. Jennifer Chase
12. Aerin Cho
13. Mary Lee
14. Vicky Zalameda
15. Michelle K (C) (replaced Bradbury)

Substitutions

1. Sonia Globerson-Lamb for Kwandam
2. Lotta Chan for Zalameda
3. Emily Ward
4. Victoria
5. Shannon