Here’s a spoiler: Penn State is going to win our 2015 Women’s College of the Year. The women celebrated arguably the most successful month of college rugby ever, winning national titles in 15s and 7s, followed by a CRC trophy, during the course of three weeks in May. But if there was one team that was going to triumph over this grueling schedule – one that necessitated two performance peaks and no finals’ build-up – it was going to be Penn State, the country’s most successful women’s collegiate program.

The year began with the Big Ten season, which was only four games long and supplemented by many friendlies. Penn State played tough games against Quinnipiac and Norwich in the fall championship, but exited 2014 reiterating its dominance. The Nittany Lions stayed active in the New Year, going on tour, mixing in 7s tournaments with 15s friendlies, all while watching Central Washington progress through the spring championship. The pair met at Kennesaw State, Ga.,  on May 9, and PSU returned home with a 61-7 victory.

“Our win in 15s was the product of almost 10 months of hard work and preparation, so that game meant a lot to everyone on the team,” said Penn State captain Elizabeth Cairns, who celebrated her fourth 15s title in four years. “The [scheduling] structure this year presented a lot of challenges for us, so it felt great to validate all the work with a win.”

There was little time to relish in the glory, however, as the team had two weeks to prepare for the USA Rugby Collegiate 7s Championship – a crown that Norwich had worn for the previous three years. Penn State entered and won the Subaru 7s the weekend between national championships, and then they were off to Denver.

“We didn't have much time to create a 7s structure until after the 15s national championship, but the best thing about 7s tournaments is the opportunity it provides to grow from the beginning to the end of the day,” Cairns spoke to the transition. “We left every tournament feeling like a completely different team than we did at the beginning.”

There was one benefit to the quick turn-around; the team was in peak physical condition. The players were able to focus what little time they had around 7s execution rather than building a fitness base. In Denver, the Nittany Lions showed little vulnerability, save a half or two, and outscored six opponents 202-59. The final was a rematch between Penn State and Central Washington, and while the Wildcats posted an impressive 26 points, it was a late surge in a game that was already decided, 47-26.

Less than a week later, the same squad – plus Gabby Cantorna – looked toward the CRCs and a third consecutive title inside PPL Park. But the demanding month was taking its toll on the players’ bodies, and the staff was careful to stress proper recovery between games and tournaments.

“Our bodies are definitely feeling this month,” Cairns confessed. “Injuries and the long 15s season limited our numbers a bit, but one of the greatest realizations in Denver was the fact that we had a representative from every 15s position on our 7s roster. It really speaks volumes for the abilities and flexibility in our team.”

The CRC was a more one-sided affair than Denver, as Penn State defeated Notre Dame, Michigan, James Madison, and AIC 161-7. Lindenwood, one of the up-and-coming programs to watch, awaited in the final. The Lady Lions played it close through three-quarters of the match, but two late errors saw Penn State take advantage for a 24-7 win.

“Our 7s titles came with a lot of hard work, but our short 7s ‘season’ required some more creativity in our play,” Cairns said. “Even more so, it required a high work rate and a lot of heart, so our wins were still really special.

“This season has been very rewarding but the last three weeks have really been a whirlwind,” Cairns added. “Winning was obviously very rewarding, but for us it was most exciting to see the development that occurred in just the last three weeks.”

And if you thought the grind was over – wrong! Cairns and 202 other women (read more) are currently at James Madison University for the National All Star Competition, a selection vehicle for the senior and collegiate age grade teams. “The next level” is the senior’s goal this summer, and with a year of eligibility remaining at Penn State, the flanker is considering a fifth year in State College. Fifth-year seniors are not uncommon at Penn State – Lauren Shissler, Katie Benson, Brie Barto, and Andrea Villanova were on all three title teams – and can you blame them? It's hard to beat three titles in a year.