After an impressive undefeated regular season which led to Fairfield University’s women's rugby club taking on Vassar College during the Tri-State Conference Championship, the Women Ruggers’ victories continue. Rugby players Julia D’Innocenzo ’20 and Emma Stringer ’19 were selected for the First Team All-Conference of the Tri-State Rugby Conference.

The First Team All-Conference is composed of many universities’ top players. This prestigious award was determined by individual performances and nominations, and University coaches’ votes.

D’Innocenzo began playing rugby in the spring of her freshman year and has emerged as a multi-dimensional player for the Women Ruggers in a short time. Over the course of the fall season, D’Innocenzo started at three different positions on the field (fullback, inside center, scrumhalf), often stepping in for injured teammates and excelling at all three positions both offensively and defensively. Her enthusiasm and positivity quickly allowed her to become a leader on the field, and she finished third on the team with 32 points (6 tries and 1 conversion). Next year, she will serve as one of the captains for the fall season. D’Innocenzo is a mathematics major, originally from North Salem, N.Y.

Originally from Malvern, Pa. and currently a nursing major, Stringer has been one of the key catalysts for the sustained success of the women's rugby team over the last few seasons. After joining the team during her freshman year, Stringer quickly became a starter and one of the most valuable players on the field. One of the captains for the 2018-19 season, Stringer was an offensive and defensive force, finishing with 35 points (7 tries) and many key tackles on defense. Her leadership, along with that of the other senior players, helped push the women's program to new heights, finishing in the Round of 16 in the U.S. National Tournament.

Head Rugby Coach Jack Wallace couldn’t be prouder of his Women Ruggers’ successes, explaining that “Emma and Julia represent the team-first mentality that rugby has always emphasized.” He added that “their personal on-field success is amazing and well deserved, and I am so proud of what they and their team have accomplished. Emma and Julia are incredible leaders for our team and embody what it means to be ‘women for and with others.’ I can’t wait for next year -- having Julia back on the field, and hearing about the successes Emma is having after graduation!”

Coach Wallace was not the only person to express his congratulations to the selectees. Jon Dinihanian, program coordinator of sport clubs and intramural programs, could not be prouder of Julia and Emma. “Their leadership and hard work continue to pay off,” said Dinihanian. “With the women’s rugby club as a whole coming off its most successful season yet, we are excited to watch them as they continue to improve.”

For more information about Fairfield Rugby, please visit fairfield.edu/rugby.