A crowd gathered at Bollinger Fields this weekend as Katie Kotschi, coach of the Eau Claire Women’s Rugby Team, yelled out to her players on the field: “The score is 44 to 10!”

Arms raised high in the mid-morning sunlight, she cried another cheer of encouragement as the athletes rumbled past in a flash of blue, yellow and white.

“Ten minutes left, ladies… let’s play hard!”

In a blur of last-minute passing and rucks, the Blugolds stayed steady and held their opponents until the ending whistles were blown, finalizing an Eau Claire victory over Stout, 44-10.

It was Saturday, and it marked the end of the first match for Eau Claire since former vice president and hooker Sarah Schmitt’s death on Sept. 12.

“This week has been really rough for all of us,” said Michon Pagitt, lock for the team and friend of Schmitt. “Rugby teams are close anyway, but this tragedy has really made us a close family.”

Schmitt, who the team called “Schmitty,” was a 20-year-old junior majoring in mathematics and computer science. She died last Sunday from injuries related to a car accident in Colombia County after returning home for a birthday party.

Despite a long and difficult week for the team, approximately 120 of Eau Claire students and community members arrived at the match to show their support.

“This really shows how we can assemble when it matters,” said Student Senator Casey Driscoll, who, donning his Blugold Bird Mascot costume, helped organize a keg of 1919 root beer to be delivered on the sideline.

Along with the keg, Toppers donated 15 pizzas, which were served to spectators at halftime.

“I’m really happy with the turnout,” Driscoll said. “A lot of people can be really touched by this – it definitely shows the power of unity.”

The unity of fans and friends was certainly matched with memorials for Schmitt.

Signs reading “#2 on the field, #1 in our hearts” were waved by spectators throughout the match; posters were also placed around the bleachers with a photo of a smiling Schmitt next to her team.

Each Blugold jersey included a red embroidering of Schmitt’s name and number on the sleeve.

This number was worn proudly by each member as they battled on the field in memory of their former vice president, teammate and friend.

“I think Schmitty would be really proud of us and the way we have been there for each other and come together as a team,” Pagitt said. “She has given us strength to keep going, even when we’re exhausted and bruised.”

Amy Dalibor, hooker for Stout, said that although she did not know Schmitt personally, she feels the loss has helped both teams become closer.

“… we all played with heavy hearts this weekend, but knowing (Schmitty) will be with us the rest of the season is comforting,” she said. “(It’s) an unfortunate circumstance, but all UW women’s rugby teams have been brought together in a way no other team could understand.”

With their match completed, the Blugolds are now looking forward to the rest of their season, playing hard for Schmitt with the new strength they’ve gained.

“The funeral on Friday was both the most horrible and the most beautiful thing I have ever been a part of… we did a cheer for her at the burial and there was not a dry eye in sight,” Pagitt said. “I learned what true friends are and how much they mean to me, and how much I mean to them.”