Lina Kwon
Staff Writer
Although rugby is known as a game for gentlemen, the Knights weren’t so gentle about their offense at a home game on Saturday.
The Mira Costa girls rugby team was defeated by View Park Preparatory High School 26-7 in one of the two matches that took place at Costa on Jan. 20. The Mustangs eventually reversed its fortune with a resounding 27-5 win over the Knights for its first victory of the season.
“It was our first win of the season,” senior Caith Bazoian said. “We played very hard with several new girls on the team, and I think the game turned out really well.”
View Park kicked off the first half of the Varsity match with a successful try and conversion, one minute into the game. After winning possession in a scrum, Costa got caught up at the 42 yard line and struggled to break through the opponents’ defense line. With the Mustangs unable to score one try, the Knights held 17-0 lead into halftime.
“In order to be successful in a rugby game, a player must understand when to block and when to tackle,” captain Alexis Fonua said. “I think the opponents today did a good job getting the timing right.”
Faced with a line of big, strong defenders, the Mustangs failed to find a gap in the Knights’ defense, dropping the ball at the 50 yard line. However, Fonua scored a try and successfully converted to bring 7 points home. With another try at the last minute, the Knights ended up on top 26-7 in the short 14-minute match.
“Our opponents were really tough and consistent tonight, and I learned a lot from them,” sophomore Valerie Ponce said. “Their strong defense and good tackling really kept me in awe.”
The Mustangs redeemed themselves in the second match, as the ruggers stayed composed and kept themselves in the game with relentless defense, including a tough goal-line stance that prevented View Park from scoring. Senior Leslie Hester, the top performer of the day, scored two consecutive tries in the first 5 minutes along with Ponce who answered with a third try for Costa, ending the first half 15-0 Costa lead.
“I was amazed by how Leslie managed to score multiple tries for the team,” junior Ashley Brownsberger said. “I think we are improving so much with each game that we play, but we still have a lot to work on.”
Early in the second half, View Park first scored a try to improve to 15-5. The Mustangs’ offensive front furthered their lead by tackling and pressuring the opposing players. When Costa finally won a lineout, senior Brittany Meeks was able to score a try and convert a two-point kick, bringing the score to 22-5. Costa’s offense attacked View Park throughout the second half, reeling off five more points before time expired. Costa’s 27-5 second-half run sealed the victory.
“Our offense was decent, but our defense can improve over the months,” Fonua said. “There’s always room for improvement, and I’m always proud of them for trying their best.”
The Mustangs are now 1-2 overall and will next face Carson High School at an away game at 4 p.m. on Friday.
“As this is my first year playing rugby, I’m already excited for what’s to come in the next game,” Ponce said. “I’m really proud of my team for all the hard work we put in tonight, and we will continue to grow as a team.”
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