STONY BROOK, NY (October 2, 2010) -- The Vassar College women's rugby team improved their record to 3-1 but was made to fight all the way by a Stony Brook University team that never stopped being aggressive and had a good number of strong forwards and direct runners.

The Brewers (3-1, 3-0 MET NY) trade blows with National Championship Division II Sweet 16 qualifier Rutgers University in Piscataway, NJ Sunday October 10 at 1:00 p.m.

The scoreline perhaps flattered Vassar as it seemed a much more even and combative contest than such a scoreline might suggest. Stony Brook scored at the start of the second half to make it 20-7 and had enjoyed a strong spell of territory right before the break so one had the impression that this was going to be a close struggle in the second half. The fact that Stony Brook also had the slight advantage of the sloping field in that second 40 minutes was also cause for concern for Vassar. But the Brewers snuffed out any chances by scoring at opportune moments and tackling well.

Keri Peacock showed what an opportunist she can be and her forwards worked unselfishly to provide a good platform. She was quick-thinking, agile, and scored three tries in the first half. The other try came when Laura Howard went over and the Vassar number 13 is becoming a potent weapon in the attack.

The Vassar front 5 were exemplary and Kate Merlie had a number of strong carries while novice Dallas Robinson was also doing yeoman's work earning hard yards. Vassar kept Stony Brook on the back foot and all the Vassar forwards had good carries in addition to some solid set piece work.

So after about 10 minutes of the second half the score was 20-7 and it was important that Vassar respond to quell any SBU revival. After some good phases up the right wing Vassar stole a lineout, moved the ball left and from an ensuing scrum O'Mara Taylor forced her way over. It was just the right reply and not long afterwards Margaret Kwateng ran intelligently beating the SBU defense to score and Vassar had stretched their lead to 32-7.

To their credit Stony Brook came roaring back and threatened with some bullish runs before Taylor again and then Kim Beaudoin went over sealing the Vassar victory.

While 8 tries were scored this was a tough physical encounter and one would be remiss to not compliment the tackling of the Vassar team. SBU had enough ball to attack and that they did, but great tackles from players like Hannah Bober and Julia Nissen kept them at bay.

The competition over the next 2 weeks will be stiff as Vassar first face National Championship Division II Sweet 16 qualifier Rutger's University and then Marist College. A lot of hard work must be put in by the Brewers but hopefully they now have some confidence in what they are doing, why, and how.

Vassar College 46 v Stony Brook University 7
Tries: Keri Peacock (3), Laura Howard (1), O'Mara Taylor (2), Margaret Kwateng (1), & Kim Beaudoin (1).
Cons: Addie Provenzano (3).

Team: 15 Addie Provenzano 14 Margaret Kwateng 13 Laura Howard 12 Julia Nissen 11 Chelsea Boccagno 10 Hannah Bober 9 Keri Peacock 1 Nichelle Jackson 2 Kim Beaudoin 3 Alyssa Bell 4 Patty Walton 5 Kate Merlie 6 Dana Hart 7 Dallas Robinson 8 O'Mara Taylor. Subs: Manola Fortun for Nichelle Jackson, Maddie Zappala for Kate Merlie.

Vassar College Women "B" 5 v Stony Brook University Women 19
Tries: Mia Fermindoza (1).

Vassar let this one slip away as they gifted Stony Brook a couple of scores with simple missed tackles. Other than those two bad errors it was very much an even contest. It was perhaps ironic then that a number of players deserve praise for good tackles, namely Emma Elbaum, Addir Provenzano, and Maddie Zappala to single out a few.

Vassar rucked with real enthusiasm and definitely had the potential to create opportunities but a number of attacks petered out through lack of support or some dubious defense from what looked like offside positions.

The Vassar try was a beauty for scrumhalf Mia Fermindoza as she slipped down the blindside after a number of well won rucks to tie matters up at 5-5. But a try either side of half time by the hosts saw them prevail as they converted both scores.

Team: 15 Margaret Kwateng 14 Emma Elbaum 13 Naomi Dann 12 Chelsea Boccagno 11 Libby Jacobson 10 Natalie Ward 9 Mia Fermindoza 1 Kim Beaudoin 2 Maddie Little 3 Manola Fortun 4 Maddie Zappala 5 Sandy Pogarcic 6 Nicole Whitney 7 Julia Nissen 8 Patty Walton. Subs: Dallas Robinson for Patty Walton, Laura Howard for Julia Nissen, Nichelle Jackson for Kim Beaudoin, Addie Provenzano for Margaret Kwateng, Hannah Bober for Laura Howard.