By: John C. Church
Rugby Post-Season Preview
As the final fall colors of peak bloom fade away, a crisp air returns to Loudonville, New York. Just beyond Hickey Field, the air sets in a chill over the rugby pitch as Siena’s men’s and women’s rugby teams gear up for the final stretch of the 2023 regular season.
The Saints look primed for success in the post-season, as the (4-0) men’s squad and the (4-1) women’s squad square up for an exciting season finale. With both the rugby teams preparing for their last matches before the beginning of the Conference Semifinals, Siena’s rugby squads will use a blend of grit, determination, and growing success to leave their mark in the upcoming playoffs.
Men
It’s been nearly two years since Siena’s men’s rugby started their post-season path to perfection, capturing the program’s first National title: the Collegiate Rugby’s Small College Challenge Cup in Houston. Trailing for most of the second half, the Saints came out with a 25-20 victory over Wayne State College. Siena rugby’s first National title coincided with the program’s first year transitioning from a club to a varsity sport.
The Saints looked to replicate that same recipe for success during the 2022 season. However, after a successful 6-1 finish to cap off the regular season, Siena suffered a 31-29 loss against Fairfield in the first round of the NCR National Play-In Tournament.
Siena Rugby Coach, Jaco Visser (James Franco, 09/08/22 – via Albany Times Union)
Despite their disappointing end to last season, the Saints men’s rugby team has had a 2023 to remember. From early morning practice sessions to thrilling games under the Saturday sun, their journey to the post-season has been nothing short of incredible. Under the guidance of head coach Jaco Visser, the men’s team boasts an impressive 4-0 record, outsourcing opponents 151 to 44, including a 46-7 victory over Syracuse and a 52-8 blowout against Nazareth. Visser, sporting a 15-1 career record thus far, aims to finish another season strong.
Siena’s locker room this year is much younger compared to past teams, yet their leadership is still strong. Returning players from the 2021 team, like sophomores Nino Tonisi, Tylor Grover, and Sennen Grove, have been the driving forces behind their success, providing exceptional leadership both on and off the field. Other players from the 2021 National Championship team’s run, like Junior fly-half Isaac Frost (who has ten total Conversions for the Saints), employ prior experience and work ethic that has been pivotal in guiding the team towards victory.
Nino Tonisi puts the ball in play during practice (James Franco, 09/08/22 – via Albany Times Union)
Newer faces to the starters list, like sophomore eightman Andrew McCallum and center Ben Burridge, have capitalized on ample scoring opportunities, with both Saints scoring two Tries each against Nazareth on Oct. 7.
Siena will be on the road for their final two matches, at Iona on Wednesday, Oct. 18, and at Fordham on Sunday, Oct. 22. In the Liberty Conference, the Saints trail Brown with 19 league points. Liberty Conference Semifinals are set to begin on Oct. 28.
Women
Siena’s women’s rugby team has been quietly but steadily making a name for themselves over the past three seasons. Like the men’s team, Siena’s women’s rugby officially became a varsity sport in 2021. An initial look on paper might suggest that Siena College women’s rugby team is an inexperienced bunch, with most of the players being freshmen and sophomores. However, their performance on the field tells a different story. This team rosters seasoned veterans who play with a level of maturity beyond their years and the skill that it takes to succeed in the post-season.
At the core of this team is a group of four upper-classmen who have proven themselves as the team’s pillars of strength. Leading the charge for Siena are senior backs Elaina Gattuso and Mairead O’Donnell, alongside junior backs Brenna Knibbs and Ella Weiss. In addition to being a part of the team from its inception, these four have brought invaluable experience, determination, and composure to the squad, setting a clear precedent for the younger players.
The team’s journey through the regular season has been impressive, boasting a commendable 4-1 record. Their sole defeat came at the hands of Stony Brook, but the Saints are still looking to respond. Their most recent match, which resulted in a Molloy University forfeit, left the team without an opportunity to add to their win column. However, this unforeseen outcome only fuels their desire to compete and make their mark in the upcoming post-season.
One of the most striking statistics is their dominance in the scoring department, outscoring their opponents 91 to 61 during the season. The Women’s rugby team displayed their offensive prowess in a particularly memorable match on Sept. 16th when they hosted Hofstra. Siena triumphed with a convincing 31-10 victory, showcasing their ability to control the game pace and execute their game plan effectively.
Although the Saints have only played one away match, one hallmark of their success is their impressive record at home. The women’s team has remained unbeaten on their home turf, winning all of their matches played at home. The Siena College community’s unwavering support has undoubtedly played a role in their dominance on familiar ground.
Siena’s final regular-season match is Sunday, Oct. 22nd, against SUNY New Paltz. As the team looks forward to this contest, they are well aware that it will serve as the perfect tune-up for the upcoming Conference Semifinals, scheduled to commence on Oct. 28th.
Win & Repeat
As the last vestiges of the vibrant fall colors disappear, the rugby pitches of Loudonville, New York, become ground zero for the crescendo of the 2023 regular season. Siena College’s men’s and women’s rugby teams are in the final stretch of their seasons, and the anticipation is electric. With the men’s team boasting an impressive 4-0 record and the women’s team at 4-1, both squads are primed and ready for the season’s climax and the onset of the Conference Semifinals.
Both teams hope to bask in the spoils of victory in the upcoming weeks and add another piece of hardware to the trophy case for Siena College. Each squad looks to embrace the challenges and triumphs the post-season will bring, as these Saints look to make their journey towards rugby excellence.