Greenwich High girls rugby team defeated by Aspetuck Valley in the Rugby State Championship at Ridgefield High School

By David Fierro on May 29, 2023 • ( Leave a comment )

**Photo by Antonio Monteiro:** Greenwich played Aspetuck Valley Rugby Club in the state championship game.

Greenwich High School’s girls rugby team entered Saturday’s showdown against Aspetuck Valley Rugby Club as the defending state champion, with the hopes of earning a repeat against the opponent it topped for the title last year.

Yet this time it was Aspetuck Valley Rugby Club’s turn to claim the state title.

Aspetuck Valley posted a 56-19 victory over Greenwich in the Connecticut State Championship game at Ridgefield High School, demonstrating why it placed fifth at the Girls Club Nationals recently. Despite the loss, the Cardinals held their heads high for achieving their season’s goal of making it to the championship game and giving a supreme effort.

**Photo courtesy of Antonio Monteiro:** Greenwich’s girls rugby team concluded a strong season with an appearance in the Connecticut State Rugby Championship against Aspetuck Valley Rugby Club.

Aspetuck set the tone from the start, scoring 17 points in the first 10 minutes, taking a 17-0 lead on the Cardinals. Despite facing an uphill battle, Greenwich managed to establish itself in the game and scored its first try, courtesy of sophomore scrum-half Lauren Huang, with senior captain Isabella Gega converting. However, Aspetuck maintained control and scored three more tries before halftime, seizing a 39-7 advantage.

**Photo courtesy of Antonio Monteiro:** Greenwich’s rugby team enjoyed a winning season, earning a spot in the state final.

In the second half, Aspetuck came out and tallied three quick tries, increasing its lead to 51-7. However, Greenwich with a little possession, narrowed the gap with a second try from Huang and a conversion from Gega, a senior captain. Junior fly-half Lara Olmsted also reached the try zone for the Cardinals Aspetuck scored one more try, bringing the final score to 56-19.

Aspetuck held the possession advantage in the championship game at Ridgefield High School throughout and as a result, was able to build its lead in the matchup.

**Photo by Antonio Monteiro:** Greenwich High’s girls rugby team in action vs. Aspetuck Valley in the state title match.

The 2023 season saw some outstanding performances from the Cardinals despite a long list of injuries to experienced players. Backs Natalie Rojas, a captain, Lauren Huang, and Lara Olmsted were exceptional, scoring the majority of the team’s points.

**Photo by Antonio Monteiro:** Greenwich’s rugby team played Aspetuck Valley in a rematch of last year’s state finals.

The forwards also played a crucial role, with Vera Zibilich, Georgia Petz, and captain Isabella Gega standing out for their impressive performances. It was another winning season for GHS, with many memorable moments.