POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (September 5, 2010) -- With just 10 experienced returning players , a new look Vassar women's rugby bolstered by rookies prevailed in shortened scrimmage games against Fordham University and Fairfield University.

The Brewers kick off their season this Saturday September 11th on the road against Dartmouth College at 2:00 p.m.

Vassar College 15 v Fordham University 0
Tries: Keri Peacock (1), O'Mara Taylor (2).

Fordham, much like Vassar, is rebuilding their rugby squad and it is still early for the New York school as they have had less of a pre-season preparation period. The Vassar forwards took the game to their city based opponents and dominated the contact area with some good early season rucking. It has to be stated that too many times players looked to offload in contact, but generally the Brewers were lower and more dynamic at the breakdown, which translated into possession.

Captains Keri Peacock and Julia Nissen did not put a foot wrong the entire game and it was their consistent play that kept the home team out in front. Quick ball was moved away and Nissen usually got over the gain line.

The newcomers turned heads with impressive contributions. At number 8, O'Mara Taylor displayed forceful running and top-notch athleticism. She was rewarded for her fine effort with two tries against Fordham, an impressive debut. She added another try against Fairfield to garner a hat-trick.

Dallas Robinson, also in her first game, ran with purpose and made a couple of vital tackles. Up front, Naimah Petigny was explosive and brave. The veterans Alyssa Bell, Patty Walton, and Dana Hart showed their experience with quality play. Kim Beaudoin set the defensive tone with solid tackling.

Vassar College 15 v Fairfield University 12
Tries: O'Mara Taylor (2), Margaret Kwateng (1).

Fairfield has a strong back division but the Vassar forwards managed to edge their opponents and keep the ball away from the good runners. Again it was the tandem of Peacock and Taylor that made good yards. On the right wing Freshman Margaret Kwateng skinned her opposite number more than once and scampered over the try-line to open her season account. She has pace and agility, qualities that will serve her well.

Winning today was a good start for a very young and inexperienced squad but there is more work to be done as the Brewers have to compete against tougher opponents in the coming matches.

Team: 15 Addie Provenzano 14 Margaret Kwateng 13 Jansyn Thaw 12 Julia Nissen 11 Celia Castellan 10 Hannah Bober 9 Keri Peacock 1 Naimah Petigny 2 Alyssa Bell 3 Dana Hart 4 Patty Walton 5 Dallas Robinson 6 Maddie Little 7 Kim Beaudoin 8 O'Mara Taylor.
Subs: Sandy Pogarcic for Dana Hart, Devin Leary for Celia Castellan, Manola Fortun for Naimah Petigny