Theft threatens rugby team's title shot

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - It definitely wasn't a profitable crime.

The property someone stole here this week isn't worth much, can't be traded and will be recognized immediately, but the theft could cost a unique Albuquerque sports team a shot at a national championship.

The Atomic Sisters are the state's only female club rugby team. Currently they're ranked fourth in the nation for Division Two, and they took a kick in the shins last week when someone stole the one piece of equipment they can't play without: their jerseys.

The uniforms stand out, to say the least. They are neon green and purple and have the team's name all over them.

They were swiped on Sept. 21 when someone broke into a team member's car near Central Avenue and Atrisco Drive.

"One of the great things about rugby is it doesn't require a lot of equipment, just mouth guard, cleats and jersey," said team President Michelle Drasckiewicz. "So this is basically our entire kit, so to lose that is pretty devastating, especially when we worked so hard to get some new ones just this year."

The set of jerseys cost the team $2,000. They have to be ordered from a special company overseas and meet strict guidelines.

Without them the sisters can't compete and won't be able to qualify for this year's national tournament.

Their next qualifying tournament is Oct 20, and the team needs uniforms before the game.

"Even if you're the person that stole them, they're pretty individualize to our team and our sport," Drasckiewicz. "There's really nothing that can be done with them.  We just want them back no questions asked."

And they'll take all the help they can get.

"If there's a business owner who sees a bag in a dumpster that looks a little suspicious, or someone sees it in the street, please look into it and try to get it back to us," said Micah Lovato, team vice president.

The jerseys were in a green duffel bag, and the team's information, including a phone number, should be on the outside of the bag.

The team says it can't afford to pay for replacement jerseys because they pay for everything out of pocket including travel. Their closest opponent is in Colorado.

Online:  Atomic Sisters Facebook page »