Rutgers celebrated back-to-back tournament wins, one in each version of the sport. Two weekends ago, Rutgers won the Tri-State 7s Championship and followed with a Beast of the East title yesterday.

Rutgers is the reigning Tri-State 15s champion, and now it’s the three-time 7s conference champion. Two weekends ago, the team outscored pool opponents 144-5, and then defeated Vassar 32-7 in the semis and Stony Brook 39-0 in the final.

Rutgers was seamless in its return to the 15s, banking another five wins against Marist 22-5, New Hampshire 48-0, Albany 13-0, Providence College 50-0, and SUNY Buffalo 34-7 in the final. It was the second-straight Beast of the East DII title for the New Jersey squad.

“We're fortunate to have such a great team that communicates well together,” Rutgers president Rebecca Musumeci enthused. “All the teams that we have played so far have given us a good run. Each team applies pressure to us and makes us think while we're out on the rugby field. We never take any game lightly and approach each game as if it is a national championship game.”

All American Miranda Previte is the team’s most recognizable player, but she is well supported by a solid cast of teammates. The scrumhalf connects well with flyhalf Kristen Siano, who directs a lot of speed among Ashley Romeo, Erin Arroyo, and Sarah DeLuca out wide. In the forwards, Yumiko Remouns and Tashai Hodges are emblems of power and strength, while hooker Elizabeth Williams and jumper Musumeci ensure the set pieces are routinely successful.

“What sets us apart from the rest is the fact that we focus on the basics,” Musumeci explained. “You won't really see any fancy plays from our back line, maybe a few switches, but that's about it. We stick to what we know and we use that in the game. We have a large amount of upperclassmen on the team with a lot of experience, but our underclassmen are just as good. There is no drop-off when we're subbing players on and off the field.”

Rutgers has applied for an at-large bid to the national 7s championship (May 23-24, Denver) and is awaiting a response.