ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University women's rugby team is back in action for the 7's portion of the season.
 
The Saxons competed in their inaugural varsity 7's season in 2025. AU picked up two wins in the UNYCRC 7's Jamboree against Fredonia and SUNY Brockport on Sunday, March 9.
 
"Last season, we had the opportunity to play some strong competition," Head Coach Dr. Nicole Bernsen said. "We played against teams that were nationally ranked. We garnered our first wins. It was definitely a big milestone for us as a new program."
 
The Saxons just completed their first full XVs season. They finished 6-3 overall and 1-2 in UNYCRC play. Despite having fewer players, AU accomplished a lot. The Saxons won their first conference game against Fredonia on Sunday, September 21. They ended the fall by winning the XVs Plate final over SUNY Potsdam on Sunday, November 2.
 
"We were still able to compete with teams in our conference despite being down numbers midseason which showed our grit," Dr. Bernsen said. "What we need to work on is just continuing to build out the roster and keeping everyone healthy for the entire season."
 
Ava Webber (Cobleskill, NY/Cobleskill-Richmondville) is in her first season with the Saxons. She has already made quite an impact. On Wednesday, January 14, she became the first student-athlete to represent the Alfred University women's rugby team in the National Collegiate Rugby All Star Tournament. Webber is super hard-hitting on both sides of the ball. She is also a hard runner and tackler. Dr. Bernsen said, "She's going to be a problem for teams in the best way."
 
Samantha Stock (Ellicottville, NY/Ellicottville Central) is the head captain for the Saxons. She is an all-around quick decision maker when it comes to seeing opportunities on the pitch.
 
Amelia Ren Vermeer (Des Moines, IA/Theodore Roosevelt) brings 7's experience to the program, having played it in high school. She continues to grow as a leader and is a player AU counts on for kicking.
 
The Saxons will begin the 7's season at the Frostbite 7's Tournament on Sunday. AU will face Kutztown University at 8:40 AM, followed by the University of Pittsburgh at 12:00 PM. The Saxons will compete for the first time at the Powerful Women on the Pitch 7's. It will take place in Brea, Ohio, on Sunday, March 29.
 
AU looks to make the 7's postseason for the first time in program history. The two tournaments that the Saxons could go to are the Division III Invitational Championship in Philippi, West Virginia (Saturday, April 18) or the Collegiate Rugby Championships in Washington DC (April 25-26).
 
"In order to make it to the Collegiate Rugby Championships, we have to win an automatic qualifier tournament," Dr. Bernsen said. "We'll be going to three. If we win at one of those tournaments, we punch our ticket to CRCs and the top 16 in the country. The next way we could qualify would be to receive an at-large bid. If we perform well enough this season, we can earn one of those at-large spots. There's a Division III Invitational being organized by a number of the NIRA teams, which is the NCAA arm of women's rugby. We could also garner an invite to their new event."
 
With a successful finish in the 15's season behind them, the Saxons are confident and ready to keep bringing the program to new heights as they enter their second 7's season.
 
"The team is really focused more on success and competing at a national level this year," Dr. Bernsen said. "What's going to be different this season is definitely the dedication and level of experience that we have now."