Radcliffe is mainly coached by Lisa Gardner and Darlene "Bubba" Connors, and part-time by Mary Dixey. Both Gardner and Connor used to play on the Beantown Club team while Dixey currently plays on that team.

Gardner receives a minimal stipend from the athletic department, and all three are paid a little bit more by the Radcliffe women's club. But their salaries are at most token, and their dedication to the Radcliffe team is unquestionable.

"We're definitely one of the bestcoached teams," Seo, who was effusive in her praise for the coaches, says. "They practically do it for free, and they are great."

And, importantly, good coaching allows Radcliffe to make up for its lack of size.

The Redcliffe connection to Beantown extends to this Saturday, when the Black and White play Beantown's B side. Beantown has won national tournaments, so this should be a real test for Radcliffe.

But whatever the outcome, women's rugby a Radcliffe will have already created momentum for future years. The appeal of the game and of the club have made it almost irresistible.

"It's really both the physical activity and the camaraderie that's attractive," Schooler says. "It's a great group on and off the field."

The men's alumni game is at 1 p.m. this Saturday, and the women will play at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. All action will be at Soldiers Field.