THE PENDULUM

Cleats skidded in the mud, rain poured sideways at rapid speed, the pre-tornado wind whipped around the field and prom dresses flailed.

Saturday, April 16, the Elon University women's rugby team held its annual Prom Dress game. The team was originally scheduled to play UNC-Wilmington, but because of Saturday's inclement weather, the team members played a game against themselves instead.

The annual event usually raises money for causes such as Crossroads: Sexual Assault Response and Resource Center in
Burlington.

The team, which has been around for more than 10 years, has 25 members representing all four classes. Only a handful of girls on the current team played rugby before coming to Elon.

"A lot of people on the team did some kind of sport in high school but wanted to do something different," said junior Brittany Moore, one of the team captains.

With three practices per week, including a two-hour Friday practice, the girls are truly committed to the team's success and the drive to maintain a tight-knit community.

"It's unique to see a club team that's as intense and dedicated as we are," said senior Brittany Siciliano, a team captain. "But we also make a point to have fun."

The team plays several games in the fall, but its series of Saturday spring games, or their "Matrix season," is the indicator of any tournament opportunities. This spring, the team went 4-0 against UNC Greensboro, Guilford College, Wake Forest University and Duke University.

As a result, the team got the opportunity to travel to Alabama for the 2011 USA Rugby South Collegiate Championships.

"We did not fare too well there," freshman Lauren Sheridan said. "But we witnessed other teams getting really frustrated and yelling at each other, while we were dancing in the tri-zone having a ball because we were determined to have fun. It was a successful weekend all in all, even though we didn't win."

Sheridan added that she is thankful to have found a tight group of friends and teammates in her first year at college.

"When I first got to Elon, I didn't know what to do with myself," she said. "I'd played soccer for most of my life. My RA recommended rugby, and I've loved it ever since."

Moore said the team has also given her "surface level" benefits like leadership experience.

"It's also kind of empowering as women to play a sport that we don't normally play," she said. "People are surprised when you tell them you play rugby."

Siciliano credits the team's "Matrix season" success to the sense of community they create on and off the field.

"The nicest thing I got out of this team – we say it all the time, but we're a family," she said. "You have friends that you'll have throughout college and beyond. I think with these girls, we'll be in each other's lives for a long time."