One win short of a national tournament berth.

An 8-3 season by the ISU women’s rugby team culminated with a loss to Bowling Green State Nov. 8, which advanced to the National Rugby Championship with a 37-15 win over the Cyclones.

The club, consisting of 27 veteran players and nine newcomers, finished a “great growing season,” said team captain and club president Jenny Jaspers, sophomore in exercise and sport science.

“Six of the girls had never played rugby before this season,” she said.

The team moved into new territory by advancing to the Midwest Division II Elite Eight for the first time and proceeded to the Midwest Division II Final Four. The squad capped the season by placing third in Division II in the Midwest.

Minnesota and Bowling Green State finished first and second, qualifying for nationals.

“The team worked very hard this season to make nationals in the spring — that was the main objective because we had never done it before,” said Anne Durfee, freshman in pre-business. “We played our hardest and made third in the Midwest, which was a great accomplishment to be proud of. I think it drives us even more to work just that much harder to make nationals next year.”

Coached by Scott Ukeiley, adjunct instructor of naval science, the team ended the fall season with a record of 8-3. Iowa State posted wins over Truman State, Wartburg, Luther, Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Kentucky, Wisconsin-Stout and twice over St. Cloud State.

Losses came at the hands of Eastern Illinois — which boasts the only NCAA women’s rugby program in the nation — Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Bowling Green State.

“I thought the season went very well, was a lot of fun, and people were very dedicated,” Durfee said.

“A lot of hard work by every player contributed to the success of the team.”

Jaspers said the squad will lose one player to winter graduation, so the team is confident for the upcoming spring season.

Informal practices will continue throughout the winter to keep the team in shape, improving skills and surrounded by continuous rugby. Practices take place at Lied Recreation Center on Mondays from 10:30 p.m. to midnight and Wednesdays from 9—10:30 p.m.

Durfee said she recommends rugby to anyone who has any kind of interest in the sport.

“It’s a great game and great people are on the teams,” she said. “I know I will be playing every season I can until I graduate.”