HOUSTON — Year 1 of the Joseph Rasmus Jr. era drew to a close Sunday for the women's rugby team.

After a breakout year, the Sharks were disappointed in their 0-3 pool-play performance at the 7s National Championship. 
 
Still, it is clear LIU has talent.

Opposition defenders are barely speed bumps for the likes of Sayler Russell, Jade Robinson, and Arianne Jones. Gina Pollice is skilled, aggressive and creative. Esme Heater is a workhorse and can do everything. D'Ondra Bomar, RJ Scott and Tai Sherman have the pace to give opposition fits.
 
"First and foremost, this year's goal was to support our players to re-find joy in their rugby," said Rasmus, the first-year head coach. "Between a pandemic, personnel challenges in '21-22, depth issues, and a seemingly endless stretch of bad injury luck, this was far from a straightforward task. 
 
"The physical way we play, the creativity, the passion and the heart this group showed throughout the year is incontrovertible. Their growth has been tremendous. I am so proud of all 21 young women who donned the blue and gold this year.
 
"We did not play to our potential in Houston. That was clear to all and disappointing. I think this whole group expects to perform well and win every time we step onto a pitch.
 
"For all of our lofty expectations and self-belief though, it is important to remember where we came from. Until qualifying for the 2023 National 7s Championship, it's fair to say this team had yet to play a meaningful college match. Taking on a top-four team in the nation in the pool stage of the NC is a heck of a place to blood a squad.
 
"No one will be more critical of our performance than ourselves. We will learn and grow from the experience. We will be better for it under pressure. But with that context and reflecting on how far we've come since August, these young women have every reason in the world to be proud and celebrate."
 
Entering the summer, Rasmus will need to lock down his recruiting class. With six prospects signed and four more committed, the incoming class looks to be one of the largest in program history.
 
"It's a step in the right direction," Rasmus said. "We desperately need more depth to offset injuries and improve performance. We were worse for not having D'Ondra Bomar, Megan Burriesce and Emilie Granelli available in Houston."
 
Recovery and rehab will be the name of the game. Jade Robinson as well as Bomar, Burriesce and Granelli have demonstrated a capacity to make big impacts on match outcomes. Sayler Russell showed tremendous discipline to return to play in Houston after a nasty ankle sprain at Tropical 7s.
 
A number of Sharks will also be entering the USA Junior National Team trial processes.