In one year, the the UMass Dartmouth Women's Rugby Team went from winning one game to a 9-0 undefeated streak that has carried them to Nationals.

Now, the "warrior women," as club advisor Captain Tim Sheehan calls them, are preparing for the Women’s Small College National Rugby Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina on Dec. 5 and 6.

The team had a very successful run at Regionals in New London, New Hampshire.

“I can’t describe the feeling," sophomore Sierra Roberge said. "I have never made it this far with a team and to hear on a speaker that we are the northeast champions, the top four in the nation – I am still on cloud nine.”

During the regular season, going to North Carolina seemed like a far-fetched idea, she said. Now, it’s a reality.

“Honestly, I don’t even care if we win it all,” Roberge continued. “Just the fact that we have made it this far is such an accomplishment.”

From now until Nationals there will be no break from rugby. The girls will still be practicing every day, but now with hats and extra layers to get ready for the National Championship.

“We went into [Regionals] nervous because, yes, we had won all of our previous games. But this was the big leagues," Junior Winona GlasCock said. “Saturday was our first game and it was snowing and colder than anything we've felt here in Dartmouth. Our hands were cold and numb and I was afraid it would throw off our game.”

Prior to going out on the field, Sheehan reminded the girls that their best offense was to be calm and quiet.

“It felt so empowering because we looked so well put together as a team, as a unit. We went in there strong and of one mindset,” said GlasCock. “We followed all of our usual traditions that we have practiced since day one, but then we lined up and got silent. It's rare to see a rugby team so quiet.”

After the girls won against Franklin Pierce, 46-5, the team then played the University of New Haven on Sunday, Nov. 15, and won 22-10 in overtime. Serena Amado scored three tries, the rugby equivalent of a touchdown, on Sunday and received the MVP award.

“Our coaches, Victoria Thomas and Art Santini are amazing. This is only our second year having a coach, the team was self-taught prior years,” said Jackson. “Last year we only won one game, now we are 9-0.”

“We hope to continue our 9-0 undefeated record in North Carolina and will work hard these next three weeks at practice,” said Jackson. “I'm excited to spend everyday for another three weeks with my best friends.”

GlasCock said that after seeing how the team performed this weekend, taking it one step at a time and supporting one another on and off the field, she believes that they have more than a chance to win Nationals.

The team has a canning fundraiser this Saturday at Stop and Shop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will be playing against either Colgate University, Lee College or Michigan State University, the other winners of the regional games, at Nationals.

Senior Jenna Peterson said, “We are worried about raising money to get there [North Carolina], but we have fundraisers lined up.”

The team has dine-out nights at local restaurants and recycle cans on campus.

“I’m looking forward to the great games of rugby that will be played, and also attacking the competition with the heart that no other team has but us,” said Sophomore Danielle Noack. “I think that our love for the game and our unbelievable team dynamic will help us have the best run possible in North Carolina.”