ELLENSBURG, Wash.—Central Washington women's rugby begins its spring season on Saturday when the Wildcats visit Seattle Rugby Club. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m., at Pat Ryan Field in Seattle.
 
The Wildcats (0-2) are restarting their season after playing a pair of matches during the fall, dropping contests to BYU (17-20) and Lindenwood (7-36).
 
First-year head coach Matthew Ramirez said he learned a lot about his young squad during the fall, and since then.
 
"The fall told us we were young, but we knew that. We have implemented strategies to help make everyone successful," Ramirez said. "We've gotten some bodies back and we have more clarity on our attack pattern moving forward. We've had to make changes due to personnel, but the younger players have stepped up and learned what it's all about. They've made some big strides."
 
While the young Wildcats got a good taste of high-level collegiate rugby in the fall, Saturday's matchup provides a different test. Seattle RC is a member of the British Columbia Premier League, and the roster includes a number of seasoned veterans.
 
"Saturday will be a chance against a women's premier team," Ramirez said. "They'll be physical and experienced, and their experience might cause quite a shock for some of our youngest players."
 
Ramirez and the Wildcats are looking forward to challenging the professionals.
 
"Hopefully we'll be able to open it up," he said. "I'm looking forward to spreading the field with our smaller, faster players and then go forward with our big strong forwards. We need to see some quality minutes put in by our younger players so we can more accurately assess where they are."
 
If the Wildcats are to have success on Saturday and throughout the spring, they'll rely heavily on their veterans as the young players – 12 freshmen in all – continue to develop.
 
"Our leadership group includes our captains Keia Mae Sagapolu and MaryJane Pasioles," Ramirez said. "Tessa Hann has stepped into a leadership role as well. We need some sophomores to step up, and Georgia Budd has become a driver for us. Shona Kennedy has stepped up, and Lauren Odette has taken on a big role as well."
 
Following Saturday's fixture, the Wildcats will play their next four matches at home. Central will host University of British Columbia (March 5), University of Victoria (March 12), University of Lethbridge (March 19), and a rematch with BYU (March 26).