When considering the Rocky Mountain conference championship, Montana State wasn't a big part of the conversation. It's the Bobcats' first season in the conference, and the team came out of a diluted West Pool that included a strong Utah State and two programs that forfeited their seasons. The East Pool leaders – Colorado Mesa and Colorado College – are veterans and played full schedules, including a competitive, single-digit decision against each other. The four teams converged on the Mavericks' home grounds last weekend to name a conference champion and award two berths to the DII Round of 32. Two games and 130 points later, Montana State is the entire conversation.

“Most folks – outside of our club – expected a Colorado Mesa-Colorado College rematch, based on what they had done in their division,” Montana State coach Ed McKenna said. “We went in there under the radar a bit, especially not having real matches against Idaho State and Utah Valley. But we knew what was expected, and we definitely want to throw a wrench in that.”

Montana State did more than derail expectations when it defeated Colorado College 81-8 in Saturday’s semifinal.

“We went to Colorado State a couple of weeks ago, and it was the best thing we could have done,” McKenna said of the DI friendly. “We had a hard time with one-on-one tackles because we were allowing – especially the backline – to get at pace. That was my fault, getting away from team defense at practice.”

The team refocused on an attacking defense, meeting ballcarriers behind the gainline, and committing to individual assignments. Paired with a collective chip on their shoulders, the Bobcats suffocated Colorado College and went to work on offense. The forwards dominated in tight and were rewarded with tries from Ivanna Lopez, Kelsey Bourdon, Megan Kesler, but fulfilled their role in opening up the space for the finishing power of the backs. Wing Stephanie Taylor was a big points contributor in the try zone and off the boot, while Maria Michelotti, Emily Dennis, and Sami Willetts also had a good day.

The Mavericks got past Utah State (which defeated Colorado College for 3^rd place on Sunday) to advance to the final. McKenna had done some research on Colorado Mesa, and made sure his tactical advice didn't erode any confidence gleaned from Saturday’s win.

“Colorado Mesa is a different animal,” McKenna recited his pre-game advice. “The coach was right – she has a team of flankers. They’re probably more physical [than Colorado College] and going to take it to us, and we have to match that intensity. We have to be quicker and more aggressive at the breakdowns, especially offensively. We need to not just get to the breakdown, but get through the breakdown.”

McKenna also instructed his back three to guard against the kick and perpetually support each other. After that, it was all up to the players.

“I was very confident that we could play with them,” McKenna continued. “I saw that when we played the Spokane women’s team, which was physically larger than us and very aggressive. We stayed with them until the final five minutes of the game, and I saw a lot of heart and toughness out of the team.”

The Bobcats got up 14-0 before Colorado Mesa answered, but after that it was all Montana State.

Michelotti led with three tries, while Taylor, Willetts, Bourdon, Dennis, and Racine Oury scored in the 49-12 victory.

“This is an amazing feat for our club,” McKenna considered the trip to 7s nationals last season. “I feel very lucky. I started with this core group who played in high school and now we have girls coming here from high school to play rugby. I’m lucky that they are committed and dedicated to our common goals. It’s really a privilege and honor to coach these women.”

Saturday’s win ensured a Round of 32 berth; Sunday’s win guaranteed the game at home. Both Montana State and Colorado Mesa advance, and neither know their opponent, as both will compete against at-large teams. As the Bobcats await their playoff opponent, they'll continue to focus internally at training, and build toward the next opportunity to dominate a conversation.