2019 Twin Cities Amazons Rugby Wrap up A Stepping Stone for New Growth
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 29, 2020
Rachel Aufdembrink
Twin Cities Amazons Rugby Club
Pictured: Tara Viken
Photo Credit: Max Rugby
2019 Season Highlights:
Stellar performances from newcomers Sarah Rosch, Brittany “Chip” O’Deil, and Danica Mooney-Jones in the WPL backline.
Top scorer for the WPL Amazons Kaelene “Lunde” Lundstrum
Inaugural year of New Coaching Staff
Kim O’Brien taking the field with D2 showing that you never truly retire from rugby.
2019 Twin Cities Amazons Rugby Wrap up
A Stepping Stone for New Growth
[Twin Cities, MN]: The 2019 season did not result in a championship win, which the Amazons hope for each year. However, it was one full of new challenges and some key highlights for the Amazons to build on for next season.
WPL Amazons were off to a rough start with a loss in their first game on the road against Chicago North Shore. A combination of a young squad and new coaches showed as the team fell apart when the exhaustion set in and the basics were forgotten. After the tough loss in Chicago, the Amazons took on Beantown at home.
The Amazons triumphed over Beantown with a win of 22-12. Leader, Katana Howard, returned to the field after missing the game against North Shore. Her presence showed, as she brought new breath and a strong energy to the backline. The team was feeling confident as they began training to take on the Atlanta Harlequins.
Amazons took their second heartbreaking loss of the season, 22-45, against the Atlanta Harlequins at home. The summer heat took its toll on the Amazons as they struggled to cover the wings of the field against the Harlequins dynamic back three. With three games under their belt, the amazons looked ahead to the rest of the season knowing the areas they need to work on in hopes to turn their season around.
Pictured: Emmy Sutherland, Anna Jacobson, Kari Gree
Photo Credit: Max Rugby
The 2019 season continued to be a roller coaster for the Twin Cities Amazons. Each win, showing the potential of this team, accompanied by a loss, showing the areas the team still needed to work on. The Amazons continued to work on and off the field to grow as a team to end their season on a positive note; with a win against North Shore at WPL Nationals.
Division II Amazons mirrored their WPL team with a roller coaster of a season. The team experienced great highs, beating new comer, Oconomowoc, 95-0, and big time rival, Menagerie, 36-7. Along with some depressing lows, losing two hard fought games to Scylla, 3-47, and Palmer, 5-63. Division II Amazons look to grow from the weaknesses they were shown in the losses, for next season.
Amazon veteran Kaelene Lundstrum comments on the 2019 season:
“The transition to the new coaching staff this year went well. It is always interesting to see a new coaches perspective and ideas on the game. As always, there was a learning curve both ways, but I think there was a lot of growth from both sides. There was also a lot of new young talented players to join the team this past year and I am excited to see where they progress to in the future.”
Although, the 2019 season did not come with a winning record, it was another season that The Twin Cities Amazons took the field in blue and orange, giving everything they’ve got for their coaches, their teammates, and for the Amazon family of alumni and fans. Looking ahead to the 2020 fall season, the Amazons look to challenge themselves this spring to improve their fitness, learn from their downfalls and grow as a team.
WPL Season Results
L North Shore Away 10-31
W Beantown Away 22-12
L Atlanta Home 45-22
W New York Home 39-20
W Northshore Home 56-17
L Beantown Home 20-22
L Atlanta Away 15-62
L New York Away 36-17
Nationals
L ORSU 33-46
W North Shore 25-33
D2 Season Results
W Oconomowoc 95 - 0
W Menagerie 36-7
W Will County Morrigans Forfeit
L Scylla 3 - 47
W Chicago Sirens 63-5
L Palmer 63-5