The Perfect Season
Dylan Masson
Editor-in-Chief
After finishing the regular season with an undefeated 6-0 record, our Women’s Rugby Team completed the perfect season defeating the Dawson Blues 25-3 in the final. It’s no secret the Islanders are more driven than ever to continue the success of last year. I had the opportunity to sit down with Flanker Tess Armstrong to talk about the perfect season.
Q: How confident was the team going into the playoffs?
A: We were pretty confident, but we knew we had a lot of work to do and it wasn’t going to be easy.
Q: How did it feel when it was all over, knowing you literally could not have been more successful?
A: It felt amazing! I felt so proud of the team, we had a lot of girls who only started playing rugby with Abbott
that year. The amount of improvement really showed how well we worked together as a team.
Q: Tell me a little about Head Coaches Grant Aldridge and Wade Ashworth, and how they push the team to be their best every game?
A: I think they really try to emphasize the fact that rugby is a team sport, and although there are girls who are amazing players and superstars, that it’s really a team effort. They emphasize that we have to play together as a team in order to win. That’s how they coach us and that’s how we play.
Q: Tell me about winning Team of the Year, because the swimming team and lacrosse team both had incredible seasons as well. How did it feel to be recognized by the college?
A: That was the best feeling ever! It felt so good going through an undefeated season and to have worked so hard together as a team. You get so close to those girls and then winning that award was just the cherry on top. It was amazing.
Q: How much will last years success push the team forward this year?
A: I think it will, it’s definitely a huge motivator for us. A lot of the girls are coming back this year, so it’s going to be a little more of a veteran team than it was last year. A lot of the girls also play club rugby in the summer, so they will have improved. We’re going to be better, and we’re going to work better together. It’s going to be a good season, I can feel it.
Q: Are there any veterans that the team is losing and how will the team continue to be successful without them?
A: Well, we’re losing a few girls, Dana Silerova (Female Athlete of the year 2015/2016) is one of them. She’s an amazing player, she’s such a great teammate. She doesn’t talk much, but when she does you know to listen. She’s a big loss for the team but I think we’re going to be able to move forward.
Q: What is going through your head starting this season?
A: I’m just excited to play my 3rd year, it’s going to be fun! I’ve had so much fun in the past playing for Abbott, I’ve made so many new friends, I’m just excited for it to happen all over again. It’s going to be my last one so that’s kind of sad, but I’m excited.