Warsaw’s girls middle school rugby club won a state title this past weekend in Westfield. Shown are, in front from left, Emma Inskeep-Shelton, Abigail Stapleton, Addison Vining, Angel Tovar and Riley Boren. In the back row are Keely Roe, Roxane Malagon, Emma Locke, Liliana Hernandez, Mia Blocher, Mya Wobrock, Iris Neeley and coach Megan Ahnen. (Photo provided)

WESTFIELD – Warsaw’s rugby club has found success in its 15-plus years of existence. The trophy case added another showpiece as the girls middle school program claimed a state championship.

The Warsaw 7/8 girls rugby team swept through the Westfield State Tournament, opening with a forfeit win over Fort Wayne Carroll. Warsaw would hold off Westfield in the semis, going ahead in the final quarter to defeat the hosts 10-5. In a rematch in the championship with North Central, Warsaw would need double overtime, but would knock off the defending champions 35-30. North Central had defeated Warsaw last year in the championship.

Warsaw eighth grader Roxane Malagon was named the tournament MVP.

Stated Warsaw head coach Megan Ahnen, “I’m encouraged by the increase in number of young girls we have participating in middle school rugby in Warsaw these past few years and especially happy with how the team this season has grown to be leaders on the field. If winning games and state titles brings new faces to practice, that’s a step in the right direction because the more girls eager to learn the game will grow the sport of rugby not only in Warsaw, but also the state.”

For more on Warsaw’s middle school program, which also includes boys, as well as the high school teams from Tiger Town, visit rugbyindiana.com.