Serendipity’s most spirited event began at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, with the sound of taffeta swooshing in the wind. The sun made a guest appearance overhead, while the Guilford College women’s rugby team played against Elon.
Every player wore an evening dress, making for a very colorful and entertaining match and marking the start of the 6th annual Serendipity women’s rugby game.

“I may not know rugby,” said senior and spectator Faith Jost, “but I know funny and this is it.”

The match started after the chanting of the Guilford women’s mantra, “Fight, Fight Inner Light, KILL Quakers KILL!” and a lively rendition of the “Hokey Pokey,” an exercise featured at every game, that serves to energize players and get fans laughing.

A large group of Guilford supporters assembled along the field to watch and cheer loudly for the team.

Greg Keener of student activities said, “this is the only Guilford sports event that I’ve ever been to and I’m enjoying myself immensely, despite the early hour.”

After several scrums full of colorful dresses, most showed signs of wear and tear, but players continued playing despite torn lace and grass- stained sequins.

President of the Guilford women’s ruby club, Mary Eleanor Joyce paused the game during the second period to recover after swallowing a sequin.

Guilford team member, Sesa Keiswetter said, “the sequins can be a bit abrasive when they are ground into your face.” However, both players went on to finish the match unharmed.
The game ended with a final score of 0–0. “It was the best game we’ve played all season, because of the camaraderie between the teams,” said Guilford team members Jenni Celia Robertson and Ashley Coleman

Although no one scored, both teams left the field content and ready to celebrate Serendipity. Joyce said it best: “Hot rugby chicks in dresses — what more do you need?”