Author: Lizeth Castillo
The Oxy Rugby team went into playoffs as an undefeated team during the regular season. After their disappointing loss to Loyola in the first playoff game, the team is looking back on their amazing season and is looking forward to an even better season next year.
“We are truly disappointed in not making it to nationals,” player Spencer Jemelka (Senior) said. “We had the talent, potential and depth to go on and compete with some of the best teams in the country.” The team’s loss came as a surprise to both the team and the Oxy fans that have followed the team’s amazing season.
There are a couple of games throughout the season that are especially commemorative to the players. “I thought our best game was the match against Cal Lutheran because it was a big victory and a great match to build from (because it was the first of the season),” Andrew Hanson (first-year) said. “Ever since this game, we progressively improved throughout the season to build to an undefeated season.”
This season served to create a significant fan base for the team and worked to improve team dynamics. “We’re a pretty tight-knit team. On the field you never leave a teammate alone and for us that’s translated to life off the field as well,” Zachary Brandwein (Junior) said. “I could never have asked for a better group of guys to play with, party with, win with and even lose with.”
The team should be expecting a greater fan base and support from the campus after having ended the season the way they did. “This squad was one of a few in Oxy history to go undefeated in the regular season,” Jemelka said. “We had the best record in our division, which is quite an accomplishment when compared to my first two years when Oxy struggled to win a single match.”
Although the team is upset about not being able to continue with playoffs, the players appear to have ended the season with a sense of solidarity. “The team dynamics were great because of the close bonds that we built with each other,” Hanson said. “I think we can take this undefeated season and take that momentum into next year. ”
For seniors who have been on the team for years, this season was intensified and emotionally charged. “As a graduating senior I have to say this was the closest team I’ve ever been on. The character and comradery is something I will sorely miss when I leave Oxy,” Jemelka said. “The team is well set for next season with some truly outstanding athletes ready to take the pitch. I’m proud to have been a part of this squad and expect great things from Oxy rugby in the future.”
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