The UW-Platteville women’s rugby club fell short of victory against UW-Whitewater in the fall season opener, but spirits have not sunk.

The ruggers hosted the UW-W Warhawks on Sept. 12, falling 20-49. Despite the loss, the team remains optimistic due to the large number of rookies coming out this season.

“In my four years of playing, this is the highest number of rookies I have seen,” forward captain Whitney Stevenson said. “Right now we have about 20 new rookies.”

The added faces bring the team’s numbers to about 30 players, allowing stability in positions for the first time in a few years. The team has struggled in the past with not having enough players on the field, often borrowing opposing team members to wear blue and orange and play as a Pioneer.

“We will actually have a full team at every game, which is really important to the game. We also have subs, which is especially nice if there are injuries,” junior Bryn Callen said.

Despite the loss, the rookies were able to understand a game that most had never seen before, Callen said.

“The first game was a learning experience, and the rookies now understand what we are teaching them in practice,” Callen said. “Overall, it was a decent game for how many rookies we had on the field.”

Fundamentals will be key in practice, especially since rookies now understand how everything works, Callen said. Handling rucks, sticking tackles and placing the ball will be areas to be developed. Speed and support of teammates, especially when backs have the ball, will need to be focused on.

The conference will be a tough battle this season for the Pioneer ruggers, but with the advantage of a full team, they look to make an impact on their opponents this year, Stevenson said.

“Whitewater is a consistently good and talented team. I was proud of how we played our first game, considering more than half our team has never seen rugby before we came out and played,” Stevenson said. “Now we just need to keep building from here.”

The Pioneers will host UW-Madison on 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 in the rugby pitch in Memorial Park.