The rugby season for the girls has started. Many of the players still love playing the sport and showing their school pride at matches and tournaments. Students are excited for the rugby season as both teams had great seasons last year.

Last year, the ladies took third in nationals and are currently ranked third in the nation as well. So far, they are undefeated making them one of the toughest teams to beat in the valley.

The girls played their first game against Middleton High, easily winning that game 62-10.

Their second game was against Meridian High, where they won a close game of 41-37.

Following the Meridian High game, their next opponent was against Mountain View High. The ladies had a few trials they had to overcome as freshman Ella Elordi got yellow carded late in the game. This did not stop them but instead gave them the lead they needed to win the game 24-22.

The lady mustangs have become a highly decorated team. They won the 2021 and the 2022 West Ada Varsity District Championship. They have also won the 2021 and 2022 7s State Championship, and also the 2022 15s State Championship.

According to therugbybreakdown.com, “Eagle High School is the Idaho 7s and 15s champion, and the Mustangs brought context to those accolades when they finished 3rd at the 2022 Girls’ High School 15s National Tournament. Eagle beat Columbia Central, lost a tough semifinal to eventual champion Divine Savior Holy Angels, and then shut out Catholic Memorial for a fantastic debut at the annual rugby tournament.”

The ladies have some great senior players such as Olivia and Reece Woods. They have had an immense impact in helping the Mustangs win their State Championships. Both are extremely aggressive on the pitch and many players do not like to play against them. Many juniors on the team like Jordyn LeBeau and Karlee Allington are having great seasons as well. Players such as  sophomores Abby Fuhriman, Kylie Heichman, Madison Cerda, Hailey Mills and many other are helping the team in many ways.

“We have a really good team community, and we always come out on top even when we lose.” sophomore Abby Fuhriman said.

The ladies are led by a head coach Kraig Smikel. Smikel has coached more than five years of rugby at Eagle High and has won four State Championships in that time. Smikel lead this team to the semifinals in Nationals last year and is looking to do better this season.

The State Playoffs start in early May and right after the playoffs, the ladies are off to Nationals in late May. Then, they will get ready for the 7s season to start up.

Their next game is at Heritage Middle, where they will play a tough Rocky Mountain High team. Most of the rugby games are played at the middle schools for both men and women rugby. There is also a middle school rugby team being made so that the younger girls will have the experience before going into high school and can compete right away.

Many people should come out and watch the Lady Mustangs on game day, The team is looking forward to going deep into the playoffs and bring home Eagle another State Championship.