NMT rugby women finish as Zia 7’s champions

On Feb. 21, 2026, New Mexico Tech hosted the inaugural Zia 7’s Invitational Rugby Tournament in Socorro, welcoming teams and supporters for a full day of competition, community engagement, and campus pride. The event marked a historic milestone for NMT Women’s Rugby and showcased the continued growth of the university’s rugby programs.

The tournament brought together traveling collegiate teams, local supporters, and campus partners for a day defined by competitive matches, strong sportsmanship, and enthusiastic community turnout. Visiting teams included NMSU, El Paso’s women's club, University of Denver, Colorado University and Colorado Mesa University. Beyond the scores, the Zia 7’s represented the upward trajectory of a women’s program that has rapidly evolved over the past year.

“The Zia 7’s tournament was a great opportunity for us to see where we stand as a team. Throughout the day we were able to back each other and trust each other. I am looking forward to this season after playing so well as a team over the weekend,” NMT player Aleigha Romero said.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Milaan Van Wyk and Assistant Coach Jason Oliphant, the NMT Women’s Rugby team has grown from just four players learning the fundamentals of the sport to a roster of more than 14 committed student-athletes competing at the collegiate level. In January 2026, the program achieved official recognition under National Collegiate Rugby within the High Peaks Division as a Division III team, making it eligible for both regional and national competition.

“The New Mexico Tech women’s rugby team delivered an outstanding performance this weekend, showcasing grit, discipline, and explosive attacking rugby. The ladies played with confidence and unity, executing under pressure and supporting one another in every phase,” Van Wyk said. “Their growth as athletes and as a team was on full display, and the result reflects the hard work they’ve consistently put in both on and off the field.”

The Techies made the most of their home-field advantage, capturing the Zia 7’s championship with a 3-0 record. They opened the tournament with a decisive 26-7 victory over Denver University Women’s Rugby, demonstrating composure and resilience despite early nerves and physical challenges. In their second match, NMT faced Colorado University’s Gray side and delivered another commanding performance, finishing with a 25-5 scoreline. By that point in the day, the Techies had recorded nine tries while conceding just two.

"From the announcer area, the atmosphere was electric and a testament to rugby's community spirit," NMT associate professor Taylor Dotson, who announced for much of the day, said. “I was thrilled to see the ladies dominating the scrums." Dotson is a former NMT rugger who has been assisting with the training sessions in that area.

In the championship match, NMT competed against a combined squad from Colorado University and Denver University. Following a brief regrouping, the Techies surged ahead with an explosive start and maintained control throughout the 14-minute contest. The final score of 33-5 secured the Zia 7’s title and capped an undefeated tournament run.

During breaks in the women’s competition, the NMT Men’s Rugby team faced the University of El Paso in three exhibition matches. The Techies delivered a dominant collective performance, finishing the day with a combined score of 101-15, including a 55-0 shutout in the second contest.

Individual NMT standouts for the tournament included Romero with five tries, Salinda Stallings with three, Akongwi Chungong with four, and Bishop Ortega with three. Coaches emphasized, however, that team cohesion and collective effort were the foundation of the day’s success. NMT’s Romero, Salinda Stallings and Jackelyn Hernandez were named to the tournament’s Dream Team, along with nine players from visiting teams.

“It was a great tourney. I had a wonderful time playing rugby and being able to socialize with the teams afterwards,” Hernandez said.

The Zia 7’s not only celebrated competitive achievement but also signaled a new era for NMT Women’s Rugby. As the women prepare to travel to Colorado to face Air Force and the men head to Houston, Texas, for the Yellow Rose 7’s Showcase, both programs continue to build momentum on and off the field.

Organizers extend their appreciation to the Socorro community, campus supporters, and volunteers whose contributions made the inaugural event possible.

“Never been to a tourney like this before. Very well organized and felt welcoming,” Reece Williams, a visiting player from Colorado Mesa University, said.

Upcoming games:

Feb. 28: Men’s team at the Yellow Rose 7’s at Cullen Park in Houston, Texas.

March 1: Women’ team versus Air Force in Colorado Springs.