Spartans win two matches in a row

The Chisago Lakes Spartans Rugby Club got a shutout win over Minneapolis South last week, winning 24-0. They got two tries from Amanda Shoquist, one from Gabby Randall and one from Anne Goosen. Katelyn Sargeant kicked two conversions for the Spartans’ points. “Our defense was much improved over our last game against North Suburban,” Head Coach Tony Randall said. “We kept their fast fullback from getting the edge, and that was huge.” Randall also noted good performances from Grace Sapp and Marney Schantzen, but really emphasized that it was a team win that everyone took part in. “You could see the light bulbs coming on for some of the new girls,” he said. “They struggled a bit in the North Suburban game, but they are starting to put it together.” Randall said the team is about on pace with last year’s squad and that he’s hoping they can finish strong.

The Spartans then hosted and beat Rogers on Wednesday, 14. After a close first half between the two squads, the Spartans took over early in the second half after a long kick by Gabby Randall turned into a beautiful try by Goosen. "That try opened the flood gates," Coach Randall said. The Spartans got two tries from Goosen and two from Gabby, as well as one from Sidney Owen. Goosen also had two kick conversions. The Spartans had a few injuries in the game, in part because Rogers had a lot of new players that didn't quite grasp all the rules yet, but it forced Randall to use a lot of players out of position, making the win even more impressive. "We still need to work on our scrum defending," he said. "But the girls all stepped up and learned a lot. They are doing well and progressing."

The Spartans will have a much-needed bye before taking on Armstrong, one of the top teams in the state. Randall was originally looking to schedule a friendly scrimmage in the bye week, but with all the injuries, he figured it'd be better to let the girls rest up a bit before their stretch run. They'll play Armstron on Wednesday, May 28.

The state tournament will be in June 6 and 7, but Randall still isn’t sure if the girls will fall in the Cup Divisiion (Tier I) or the Plate Division (Tier II). The Spartans won the Plate last year.