When you’ve got a winning team, there’s nothing a coach likes more than a small graduating class. West Chester women’s coach Tony DeRemer has just that. Only one influential player (wing Jackie Sacco, 11 tries) from last season’s DI final four team has graduated, and both DeRemer and squad are expecting big things in 2014-15.

 

“This is a special year for us,” DeRemer said. “Usually I lose 8-10 starters – and at the end of this year, I’ll lose a lot of players.

 

“The players set goals every year, and a great part of their character is that they want to be better than the previous year,” DeRemer added. “They want the final four or higher, and they expect it. They’re motivated by that kind of stuff.”

 

DeRemer is happy to have leading scorer Nicole Benedetti back on the pitch. From fullback, she led the squad with 29 tries (145 points) and recently returned from the Women’s Collegiate All American (WCAA) tour to Canada, where she scored two tries. Flyhalf Katie Walston is also key. She leads by example and has great command of her squad. She accounted for 99 points on six tries, 30 conversions, two penalties and one dropkick. Also returning is former All American and Maryland transfer Arielle Gantt, who made a huge impact from prop and lock last year, scoring 21 tries (105 points).

 

Getting to the DI semifinals not only benefitted player experience, but the exposure on the national stage also put the varsity program in front of eager high school students who are weighing their college rugby options. Three high schoolers join the Rams this year: All-State Aalea Ray from Hempfield (Pa.); All-State center Lili Riley from Pennsylvania state champion Doylestown; and Samoa-heritage Olivia Fiatoa, who propped for the Hibernians. DeRemer indicated that he’s still fielding phone calls and e-mails from students around the country who are interested in becoming a Ram.

 

The limelight also put West Chester’s up-and-comers in front of national selectors. Center Adriana Zeiders and flanker Lizzy Groff, both sophomores, are poised to join the rest of the Women’s Junior All Americans in Buffalo, N.Y., this weekend before contesting the Can-Am series in Ontario.

 

With all of this returning experience, West Chester is the favorite in DI's Mason-Dixon conference. As part of the North Division, the Rams will face James Madison, Maryland, Pittsburgh and Temple during league play. Who will be the best competition?

 

“James Madison,” DeRemer said. “They’re an up-and-coming program and played us hard last year [25-22 WCU win]. And if [Collegiate All American] Stephanie Goetz graduated, then that’ll be a huge relief.”

 

In the spring, the North Division will contest playoff crossover matches against the South Division. The only difference in play this year is that the South Division is being urged to contain its matrix season entirely in the fall, as opposed to splitting between seasons. Inclement weather stressed the playoff schedule last year.

 

West Chester gets back on the field September 2.