POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (April 10, 2010) -- Although the Vassar College women's rugby team dropped a 37-10 decision to Syracuse University at the Farm on Saturday, the Brewers put forth immense effort with a shorthanded and youthful lineup.

What a season this has been for the Vassar Women! Over the past 14 years they have compiled 14 consecutive winning seasons and had squad sizes averaging 45 players. But on this beautiful April afternoon with the Farm bathed in sunshine there were only 16 players suited up for the Brewers who currently have a 5-8-1 record. Today, they showed that even shorthanded through injury and availability of players, they retain the grit and attitude of their predecessors. It was a very brave performance against the number 1 team from the Upstate Conference but in the end the visitors ran away with the result 37-10.

Vassar College Women 10 v Syracuse University Women 37
Tries: Krissa Wiechmann (1) & Jansyn Thaw (1).

Vassar caught the opening kick-off and went through multiple phases getting to the Syracuse 22 before being turned over at a ruck. It was a good start for the Brewers but following that turnover and after just two rucks Syracuse put the ball through their back division's hands and scored! Then inside another minute the Syracuse Women had another breakaway try going over 60 yards. Down 10-0 the game settled down in to a more even affair with both sides attempting to run the ball.

Syracuse did have the more physical runners and more pace so it was very hard work for the home team when they didn't have the ball. But the forwards out-rucked the Syracuse pack consistently but Vassar line breaks didn't lead to scores. In stark contrast when Syracuse made line breaks one felt they might score each time!

But Vassar began to pick and drive and the backs were making inroads with Julia Nissen and Emma Backe getting over the gain line. It was at a ruck, initiated by Nissen right near the Syracuse goal line, that Krissa Wiechmann picked up and ploughed over to make it 10-5. Vassar began to run with real confidence and the freshmen halfbacks Hannah Bober and Jansyn Thaw kept the Syracuse defense on their heels. Again the Vassar forwards drove on and while not the prettiest of sights for the fan of Super 14 rugby it was effective. Syracuse, seemingly cruising at 10-0 were soon looking at 10-10 when Jansyn Thaw ran superbly and stretched over for a try. Number 8 Kim Bowdoin had picked up from a scrum just 10 meters out and just to the left of the posts. She had looked to hit Julia Nissen on the crash but straightened and was cut down inches short! But at that ruck Thaw alertly picked up and scooted around the pile for an excellent try.

To give this performance real perspective one needs to know that the Vassar hooker was wing Kate Hancock, the wings were rugby rookies playing just their third and fourth rugby game ever! The halfbacks are freshmen, Kim Bowdoin usually a lock was playing her first game at number 8 in this her rookie season, and at lock Mackenzie Morris was playing her first full game ever! So to be down 17-10 at the half after Syracuse had scored a good try at the 40 minute mark was remarkable.

Amanda Waterhouse won plenty of lineout ball and ran well. Patty Walton and the re-jigged front row won all their own scrums and looked solid and Dana Hart in the second row was rock solid. Another highlight of the game was the tackling of Laura Howard. The tall wing was playing at outside center and she put in a number of thumping tackles that gave the home fans plenty to cheer about although the score-line wasn't favorable.

Vassar won enough ball but lacked any breakaway threat and began to tire as the second 40 minutes wore on. As they tired they began to fall off tackles and strong running from the Syracuse fullback and center caused problems. When 17 became 22 and Syracuse kept swinging the ball wide it was a case of how long could Vassar hold out. That they shipped another 3 tries was no disgrace given the circumstances.

Next week the Brewers are home again and they deserve a lot of support as they continue to battle against the odds. Thanks to all the players who stayed to help wrap up today and I have no doubt that with a good crowd next weekend the team will continue to improve.

Team: 15 Emma Backe 14 Sarah Fuentes 13 Laura Howard 12 Julia Nissen 11 Caitlin Bull 10 Hannah Bober 9 Jansyn Thaw 1 Patty Walton 2 Kate Hancock 3 Krissa Wiechmann 4 Dana Hart 5 Mackenzie Morris 6 Lucy Cantwell 7 Amanda Waterhouse 8 Kim Bowdoin. Subs: Celia Castellan for Caitlin Bull.

Overall Record 2009-10: 5-8-1.
Next: Sunday April 18, 2010 versus Siena College 2:00 p.m.