Chances are that if you knew the University of Dayton has a women's club rugby team, you have probably heard something good about them.

Over the years, the UD Women's Club Rugby Team has found the winning combination. With lots of returning seniors, this fully loaded squad looks to build on last year's success.

Last year, the team made it to the Elite 8 National Tournament for Division II in Santa Cruz, California. The team will be graduating a lot of seniors in May. Those girls will be looking to finish up their rugby career on a winning note.

'The seniors on the team play a key role and have strong leadership,' sophomore member Jessica Dirusso said.

The squad's leadership will hopefully bring them back to nationals this spring.

For those unfamiliar with the game of rugby, it resembles American football, but it is much simpler to play. Anyone new to the game might be quite confused at first, but can easily catch on.

There are two teams each with fifteen players, eight forwards and seven backs, who try to carry, pass, kick and ground the ball to try and score as many points as possible. Play is continuous until someone scores, the ball goes out or a rule is broken.

Play starts with a kickoff and the person with the ball can run it, kick it or pass it laterally or backwards. The person with the ball is the only one to get tackled and can be tackled at anytime. Tackles must be made by using an arm and shoulder. All players play offense and defense and there is so much going on, you do not have time to call plays. While it is a team game, you are expected to act quickly and make your own decisions.

Forwards try to gain possession of the ball and hand it over to the backs. Backs play more open field and they get to pass, kick or run the ball. The team continues up and down the field until someone scores. A score is called a try. It is simply crossing the opponent's goal line and touching the ball onto the ground. Just as in football, the team with the most points wins.

If all this still sounds complicated, do not worry. It is easy to learn and there are people to help you. The UD Women's Club Rugby Team is currently recruiting new players. Anyone can come out and play and no experience is necessary.

'No one knew how to play before they came to UD,' team captain Sarah Kitchin said. 'We will teach them how to play; there are no tryouts and everyone gets to play.'

Dirusso likes the game because it is fun and exciting. Kitchin seems to agree, commenting that the sport is fun and all the girls are like a family.

'I like the fact that it is a very physical sport, extremely team oriented, and has nonstop play,' Dirusso said. 'I love my teammates.'

This year's spring season will begin with camp at the University of Kentucky on the first weekend of March. The team also plans to travel to Nashville on March 25 and 26 for Nash Bash. They will also play at Wright State's President's Cup April 1st.

Two home matches are scheduled for Alumni Weekend on April 8, and on April 22 against the University of Kentucky. Home games are played at 11 a.m. next to the bell tower at Carillon Park.

When asked about this year's team expectations, Kitchin had good things to say.

'We want to do well at Nash Bash, and defend our title at the President's Cup,' Kitchin said.

The team is coached by Brian Colson and lead by president and captain of the squad, Sarah Kitchin.

If anyone is interested in playing or would like more information about the UD Women's Club Rugby team, simply contact Sarah Kitchin at kitchism@notes.udayton.edu or call 627-8705 or e-mail Jessica Dirusso at dirussjum@notes.udayton.edu.