POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (March 28, 2009) – The Vassar College women's rugby team could not have started its spring season any better than it did against visiting Princeton University at the Vassar Farm on Saturday, picking up its biggest win ever over the Tigers in a 63-0 blowout. The Brewers scored 11 tries, converting four.

The opening kick-off was fielded by Dani Goodman-Levy who blasted by three defenders, making it in behind Princeton's defense in a flash. Good support followed and it was co-captain Meredith Kendall who went over to open the scoring. The Brewers scored another try moments after Kendall's score and it was clear that the Tigers had a long day in front of them, as they were missing a number of key starters from their lineup due to a slew of injuries. That Princeton even made the road trip to Vassar is a credit to the character and commitment of these players. Their squad numbers have been in decline and they knew they were going to be up against a Vassar team ranked number 4 in the northeast.

Vassar College Women 63 v Princeton University Women 0
Tries: Meredith Kendall (1), Jessica Lance (2), Laura Redden (1), Alana Melton (2), Keri Peacock (1), Alex Milne (1), Dana Hart (1), Caroline Schenkman (1), Lorraine deGraffenreidt.
Cons: Alex Milne (4).

The rugby field was bathed in sunshine and the temperature was in the 60s so conditions were ideal for an open handling game and that is exactly what the Vassar Women provided. The key was to get in behind the Princeton defense and then look for offloads to supporting players. The team really made a huge effort to vary their attack as well, with the forwards alternating between close quarters picking and going then running wider to find gaps. Alana Melton had a day to remember as she not only scored 2 tries but also scrummaged exceptionally well.

The likely Fall 2009 partnership of Keri Peacock at 9 and Lorraine deGraffenreidt at 10 came together smoothly. DeGraffenreidt looked dangerous and comfortable in the playmaker role. Morandi Hurst, the next part of the link was at 12 for the first time and she too was perfectly at home. This spring they should be able to get 5 games together which hopefully will pay dividends in the fall.

Vassar's second try came after Laura Redden made a break through the centers and she then passed to Jessica Lance for the short run in and a 12-0 lead. Moments later Keri Peacock darted around the side of a ruck and was hauled down just a few yards short of the line. When Princeton ran from their own line they were turned over and Melton gathered and scampered in for her first try. Keri Peacock scored Vassar's fourth try and she continues to improve her game. She ran with authority and passed well throughout and her tackling is second to none.

After 20 minutes Vassar led 29-0 and Princeton launched their first really serious attack but a thumping tackle from Hannah Roth sent a clear message, though shall not pass! It was a tackle that would no doubt have brought a big smile to the face of former Vassar player Sarah Griffin who holds no love for the Tigers!

Vassar made a host of changes after 35 minutes and it was a great opportunity to see "B" side players getting the opportunity to play at a higher level. Certainly the team lost some power and precision but there were periods of good continuity and shape to the game. In the second half Dana Hart scored her first try when the ball was charged down and all she had to do was fall on it. Also Caroline Schenkman ploughed over from close range. Unfortunately, Suzanne Sweetnam injured her shoulder as did Mariko Yoshimura-Rank, and Brianna Blackwood-Mallory took a knock to the knee, but hopefully they will all be back on the field soon.

Much sterner tasks lie ahead for this team that is for sure as Marist, Navy, and the Beast of the East Tournament are on the schedule, but it was good to get a first outing and garner success with the patterns played.

Team: 15 Alex Milne 14 Jessica Lance 13 Laura Redden 12 Morandi Hurst 11 Julia Nissen 10 Lorraine deGraffenreidt 9 Keri Peacock 1 Mariko Yoshimura-Rank 2 Alana Melton 3 Natalie duRivage 4 Meredith Kendall 5 Hannah Roth 6 Alexis Hedrick 7 Alex Thom 8 Dani Goodman-Levy. Subs: Alyssa Bell for Laura Redden, Caroline Schenkman for Natalie duRivage, Pengpeng Xiao for Keri Peacock, Suzanne Sweetnam for Dani Goodman-Levy, Dana Hart for Meredith Kendall, Jane Manchon for Hannah Roth, Kate Hancock for Jessica Lance, Brianna Blackwood-Mallory for Alana Melton.

Team record 2008-09: 7-5-0.

Next: Saturday April 4, 2009 Vassar College Women v Marist College Women kick-off 11:00 am at Vassar Farm.