Rain, Mud & Rugby: Valkyries Open the 2026 Fall 7s Season

Sunday, September 20 marked the opening weekend of the 2026 Rugby Ohio Fall 7s season, and the Brunswick Valkyries arrived ready to get to work.

The original schedule called for six matches, three for the A-side and three for the B-side. But Mother Nature had other plans, and so did the schedule. With conflicts affecting the day's lineup, an additional B-side match was added, giving the Valkyries a seven-match marathon on a day that seemed determined to throw everything it had at them.

And then came the rain.

B-Side Starts Strong

The B-side opened the day's action against Highland B, and they wasted little time making their presence known.

The Valkyries put together a strong offensive performance, finding the try zone three times while keeping Highland's attack in check.

When the final whistle sounded, Brunswick had its first win of the season, 21-5.

A-Side Battles Medina

Next up was the A-side against Medina A.

The Valkyries battled through the conditions, but Medina managed to find the edge in a 21-7 victory.

Norah Woofter. Photo by Spencer Dockweiler.

The result may not have gone Brunswick's way, but opening weekend is about more than the final score. With a new season comes new combinations, new roles, and the process of figuring out how all the pieces fit together.

B-Side vs Medina B

The B-side returned to the pitch against Medina B for another closely contested matchup.

Brunswick found the try zone twice, but Medina answered with enough offense to take the match 17-10.

Sophie Dockweiler. Photo by Spencer Dockweiler.

A-Side Finds Its Rhythm

Then came the response.

Facing Shaker, the A-side came out firing.

The Valkyries controlled the match from start to finish, combining defensive pressure with an offense that refused to let up. When the dust, or more accurately, the mud, finally settled, Brunswick had posted a dominant 32-0 victory.

The Afternoon Grind

By this point, the rain had done its work. The fields were muddy. Legs were getting heavy. And the Valkyries still had matches left to play.

The B-side faced West Pitt B in another tight battle. Brunswick fought all the way to the final whistle, but West Pitt managed to hold on for a 21-17 victory.

There was no shortage of fight from the Valkyries.

The A-side followed against West Pitt A, facing another tough test. Brunswick battled through the conditions, but West Pitt came away with the 26-7 win.

Seven Matches. One More Battle.

Because apparently six matches weren't enough.

The B-side closed out the day against Perry, playing its fourth match of the afternoon.

Dani Schenek. Photo by Spencer Dockweiler.

By then, fatigue was a factor and the field was thoroughly muddy, but the Valkyries continued to compete. Brunswick put 15 points on the board, but Perry edged ahead 22-15.

The Battle Maidens

Opening weekend also brought the first individual honors of the Fall 7s season.

A-Side Battle Maiden: Norah Woofter

B-Side Battle Maiden: Sophie Dockweiler

Queen's Standard: Dani Schenek

The Season Is Just Getting Started

Opening weekend was never going to answer every question. Young players are gaining experience, returning players are settling into new roles, and every match is another opportunity to figure out what this Valkyries squad can become.

And if Sunday's muddy opening weekend proved anything, it is that this team is willing to put in the work.

The 2026 Fall 7s season has officially begun.

The Valkyries will be back on the pitch Sunday, September 27.

New weekend. New battles. Same standard.

Cover photo by Spencer Dockweiler.