PITTSBURGH, PA (June 14, 2009) -- On a beautiful sunny day in Pittsburgh the Northeast Rugby Union (NRU) Women's Under 23 team defeated the Mid-West by the emphatic score of 43-5. In the starting lineup for the NRU and representing Vassar College women's rugby were Dani Goodman-Levy, Alana Melton, and Keri Peacock.

Goodman-Levy captained the team to it's first ever Inter-Territorial Championship playing at Number 8 and having an excellent game. Melton played hooker and scored a try early in the second half to help propel the Northeast to victory. Peacock played scrumhalf and was dynamic behind the very combative NRU pack.

On Friday, the NRU defeated the Mid-Atlantic 42-12 to advance to the championship and as was the case on Sunday, the three Vassar women played integral roles.

"Vassar is so lucky to have women of this quality represent the college," said Vassar head coach Tony Brown. "They are modest and hard working and have been invaluable team members."

The NRU team is coached by Richard Ashfield formerly the Providence College Women's coach who also coaches Beantown Women's backs and Brown University Men's backs. "Rich is a top notch coach and he has done a great job getting these players to gel," said Brown.