This week, Friday Night Rugby features a clash of highly-ranked, unbeaten conference rivals, with the University of Chicago women hosting Illinois-Chicago. Both compete for the Great Waters Rugby Conference title, then diverge for different postseasons. The University of Chicago is the reigning Small College 7s national champion and ranks second in the Small College Top 20 Coaches Poll, while Illinois-Chicago is ranked 13th in Division II.

“I would say these are traditionally the most competitive teams against each other in our league, and it’s been like that for a while,” said Illinois-Chicago head coach Nora Benomar. “The Chicago/UIC game has always been cutthroat, really close in score, really close in points, all of that.”

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Illinois-Chicago enters the derby undefeated with a strong record of 3-0, having beaten Depaul and Loyola by sizable margins. Loren Henich has led the way in terms of scoring through six tries. The veteran scrumhalf has been paramount to the Dragons’ undefeated start with her field vision and playmaking ability on full display.

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Another key player for Illinois-Chicago is rookie flanker Caitlin Romaker. Despite only beginning her rugby career a handful of weeks ago, she scored two tries in her debut and has dotted down three more since. Her work rate and exceptional line running will be factors Friday.

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The University of Chicago comes into the contest 2-0, and they won the meeting between these teams last fall, 31-25. Yet to concede a single point so far this season, the University of Chicago has been dominant with a point differential of +156.

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Outside center Grace Hogue leads the way with nine tries and four conversions. Her ability to find space and her nose for the try zone make her a lot for the Dragons to handle. Another key player for the University of Chicago is flyhalf Caroline Hugh, who has managed 40 points this fall. With 10 conversions in the bank, her great kicking ability and strong passing skills will lead the offense. Sage Rossman at scrumhalf and Vera Soloview at flanker could also prove to be tough to stop, both with five tries this season.

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The University of Chicago was upset in last year’s conference title match by Northern Michigan, and Illinois-Chicago was eliminated in the first round of the league playoffs by Loyola. Friday’s winner will pick up valuable momentum heading into the Great Waters playoffs next week in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.