AMES, Iowa -- The Iowa State Women's Rugby club is teeming with confidence as it prepares to travel to Sanford, Fla., to take part in the USA Rugby Women's Collegiate National Championships April 21-22.
"We have beaten some amazing teams," said Julie Freese, president of the club. "We have so much talent on this year's team, there is no doubt in my mind that if we work hard and give everything we have on the pitch that we will be national champions."
Freese and two dozen teammates qualified for the tournament through a process that began last year. Recently, they have won tournaments in Milwaukee and Elkhart, Ind., to become Midwest champions.
Because of a loss to a Division 1 national contender team this fall, ISU women will be competing for the Division 2 championship crown, instead of the Division 1 category.
According to Freese, this is the first time the Cyclone women have ever made it to nationals and will be facing teams that operate as varsity sports, putting ISU's team at a disadvantage.
The Cyclone women face Mary Washington University of Virginia on Saturday, and if they win, will play again on Sunday. If they win that match, they will play the championship game in Palo Alto, Calif., May 4 or 5.