The 2025 season was one of transition and tenacity for the Siena Women's Rugby Sevens team. With a roster full of new faces such as Tallulah Powers and a revamped national qualifying format, the road to success was always going to be steep—but the team rose to the challenge with heart and determination.
Early Challenges in Richmond
Siena opened the season with a tough test in Richmond, Virginia. Facing high-level competition such as national number 3 seed from the east bracket York, and still building chemistry, the team finished bracket play with a 1–2 record, missing out on a shot at the finals. It was a humbling but valuable learning experience for a young and developing squad.
Momentum in Niagara
The second tournament of the year brought clear progress. Competing in Niagara, the team began to click, showing improved cohesion and structure on both sides of the ball. A solid run to a third-place finish signaled Siena was heating up at just the right time.
Tri-State Conference Champions – Back-to-Back Titles
In the final weekend of tournament play, Siena dominated the Tri-State Conference Sevens, going an unbeaten 6–0 en route to claiming the Division III title for the second consecutive year. The performance showcased the team's growing confidence and the emergence of several new standouts and why the team will move to division II for the fall.
National Collegiate Rugby Championship Sevens – Boyd, Maryland
In a surprise twist, Siena received a last-minute invitation to the National Collegiate Rugby Championship Sevens, joining the final 16 teams from across the country. Despite being short-handed and missing key players, the team embraced the opportunity and gained valuable experience on the national stage.
While results were tough against higher-seeded teams, Siena finished strong with a spirited win over Western Oregon University, securing 15th place nationally.
Looking Ahead
Returning to the National Sevens was a proud moment for the program, especially during a year of rebuilding. While the finish fell short of last season's 6th place, the experience gained—and the resilience shown—sets the foundation for the seasons to come.
The future is bright for Siena Women's Rugby. With returning players, newfound depth, and the hunger to improve, this young team is poised to climb even higher in 2025.
