PORTSMOUTH, RI (April 18, 2009) – After a one-year hiatus, the Vassar College men's and women's rugby teams returned to the Beast of the East Tournament, in Portsmouth,R.I. on Saturday. In 2007, both squads won their respective divisions, and the women look to regain that title after winning three games on Saturday to advance to Sunday's championship game. The men dropped their second game of the day and will play in the consolation round on Sunday.

The women went 3-0 on Saturday, improving their record to 11-6, with wins over Syracuse University (26-10), Providence College (24-0), and Northeastern University (19-0). Sophomore Keri Peacock had three excellent games, scoring against Syracuse and Northeastern but the Brewers did lose flanker Alexandra Thom in the first minute of the Syracuse game after receiving a gash in her forehead.

“The women put in three stellar performances and everyone on the squad represented Vassar well,” said head coach Tony Brown. “Although we defeated Syracuse, tomorrow's matchup will certainly be a tough game.”

The men were impressive against College of New Jersey, picking up a 24-3 win behind senior Winston Clement and dominating play from the forwards up front but they were rattled by an aggressive display from Salve Regina and fell out of the Championship Bracket, losing 14-0. The Brewers fall to 8-6 and will play at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow.