SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Last weekend, No. 6 ranked Notre Dame College competed for a chance to win the National Collegiate Rugby Northeast Regional Championship. The Falcons defeated No. 13 Roger Williams University, 39-7, on Saturday. After a quick turnaround, NDC took down No. 9 Colgate University on Sunday, by a score of 57-10, to become regional champions and punch their ticket to the national semifinals in Knoxville, Tenn.

On Saturday, the Falcons not only competed against Roger Williams, but the terrible weather conditions. After a competitive first half, the women worked through the ice-cold rain and mud to secure a comfortable lead, resulting in a 39-7 win. Notable offensive showings by Mary McLoughlin, Alivia Leatherman, Aviana Matteo, and Raina Perciak helped push the Falcons through the full 80 minutes. Charlee McCormick and Michelle Majewski made immediate impacts as second half substitutions bringing much needed energy to a draining match.

"Conditions were by far the worst I have ever seen for a rugby match," said head coach Jack Nece. "I have played in snow before, and I would've rather had that than what we faced. The girls showed determination and strength to overcome the elements, fully knowing there was another match the next day.

We experienced the best officiating we have had all year, and it helped us learn what to expect going forward. Though it resulted in a few too many penalties in the first half, it allowed us to adjust and learn for the next match"

On Sunday, the women faced a solid Colgate team, but played a much better team match than Saturday, resulting in a 57-10 victory, earning the NCR Northeast Regional Championship. The women facilitated many offensive options, which truly showed their progress through the season. With all 15 being attacking options, the team truly moved the ball as a unit. 
 
Alivia Leatherman was awarded the Most Valuable Player of the weekend, and Kelly Wallenhorst was awarded the Heart and Soul award for NDC. 

"The players have worked tirelessly since August to make the success of this season a reality," Nece explained. "From practicing at dawn to extra lifting sessions and runs, the players were able to maintain their fitness through all 80 minutes of both matches, where it was obvious the opponents were struggling to keep up.
 
For a program coming out of the COVID shutdown and barely having enough players to compete in a 15s season to have this much success is an attribute to both the players and the coaching staff. Everyone has bought in to the system and the program and with that level of comradery, we will be tough to face going forward"

Notre Dame will play No. 1 University of Northern Iowa on Dec. 4, in Knoxville. The start time is scheduled for 1 p.m.