Last season, women’s rugby ended with a tough loss in playoffs. But for the women of the squad known as the “Dirty Ducks,” it is simply in the past.

“It’s a new year, we don’t care about last season,” said forward’s captain Paris Heart.

Although the squad is focused on what is ahead for this year, the team acknowledges they will face tough competition in the upcoming months. Central Washington University was officially added to the league this year and appears to be a strong team this year, already dominating league champions last year, Washington State.

“It will be a challenge but I think we are definitely up for it,” back’s captain and senior Gretchen Shaw said. “We are a strong team and a lot of people can play different positions, so we can adapt to different teams.”

Along with the ability to adapt to different opponents, the team understands the importance of working together and having balanced skills. Heart added that the team is constantly harping on the idea of “15 as 1” and how it takes the entire team to score.

“Rugby is one of those sports that requires multiple skills. Everyone on the team has to pass, know how to catch, kick and tackle – everything,” Heart said. “When one side is on offense everyone is on offense and vice versa.”

That sense of unity also translates off the field for the team. They have a big and little program, similar to ones in greek life, where a rookie or first year member of the team is linked to a returning player.

Shaw, who is injured this year and not competing due to a torn ACL injury, said she has been working a lot with the rookies so far this season and has seen a big improvement.

“It’s been really nice to see over the past month and a half everyone become a unit,” said Shaw. “The first couple practices I would see dropped balls all over the place and we weren’t passing well and now we are so much more together. It was really cool to watch that happen.”

The team makes sure to have various team bonding events and a team brunch before games to prepare and review plays for the upcoming game.

“Going to practice makes my day a lot better and makes me happy. They are all my friends,” said sophomore Audrey Howell.

That teamwork spirit is simply just an aspect of the sport said Heart.

“Rugby is more than just a sport — it’s a culture and an atmosphere and no matter where you are, if you meet anyone that plays rugby you are instantly friends,” said Heart.

According to Shaw, without a doubt, that same spirit translates on to the field for the Dirty Ducks.

“A really big part of rugby is the camaraderie between your teammates and the teams you play. Rugby in general is a big cohesive family,” Shaw said. “It’s a very passionate sport…you just really bond because playing on the field in that high-intensity environment really brings you together.”

The team’s first game is scheduled for Oct. 25 at 10 a.m. against Oregon State on the Riverfront Fields.