HEMPSTEAD, NY (September 19, 2010) – The Vassar College women's rugby team dominated Hofsta University 58-10 behind an historic six try performance by junior O'Mara Taylor.

The Brewers collide with cross-river rival SUNY New Paltz in their home-opener Sunday, September 26 at 2:00 p.m.

Taylor joins Larkin Sealy '04 and Dani Goodman-Levy '09 as the only three players in program history achieve this feat since rugby began in 1980. Taylor torched the Hofstra defense running through, around, and over would-be tacklers. Taylor was also a force on the other side of the ball.

Sarah Fuentes scored the first Vassar try and co-captain Julia Nissen and rookie Margaret Kwateng added tries.

Co-captain Keri Peacock was outstanding despite a fractured finger and her quick service from the base of rucks set the backline moving. Sophomore Hannah Bober handled the number 10 position, organizing her backs and playing flawless defense against defenders twice her size.

The Vassar forwards were up against a atrong Hofstra front five. The Brewers scrummaged strongly thanks to Kim Beaudoin at hooker and efforts by Alyssa Bell, Nichelle Jackson, and Rachel Thompson.

The Vassar backs made good linebreaks and Laura Howard was dangerous with ball in hand. Overall, the Brewers monopolized possession and won their lineouts.

Tries: Sarah Fuentes (1), O'Mara Taylor (6), Julia Nissen (2), & Margaret Kwateng (1).
Cons: Keri Peacock (2), Hannah Bober (2).

Team: 15 Addie Provenzano 14 Margaret Kwateng 13 Laura Howard 12 Julia Nissen 11 Sarah Fuentes 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: Rachel Thompson for Nichelle Jackson, Naomi Dann for Sarah Fuentes, Maddie Zappala for Dallas Robinson, Manola Fortun for Kate Merlie.

Vassar College "B Side" 5 v Hofstra University "B Side" 5
Tries: Patty Walton (1).

Although the Brewers fell behind 5-0, they showed real grit and determination to score and merited a tie thanks to a Patty Walton try. Rachel Lenihan lowered the boom and took down a Hofstra runner on the touchline to prevent a tie.

Behind the scrum, Mia Formindoza was promising and Natalie Ward ran the show quite well for a rookie. It takes time for a backline to get it's timing coordinated and this unit will improve but it was good to see them running the plays and challenging the defense.

The team was bolstered by two vets who helped to provide direction. Beaudoin went close to scoring but as she stretched for the line, the ball was jarred loose.

Team: 15 Rachel Lenihan 14 Emma Elbaum 13 Naomi Dann 12 Chelsea Boccagno 11 Libby Jacobson 10 Natalie Ward 9 Mia Fermindoza 1 Manola Fortun 2 Maddie Little 3 Kim Beaudoin 4 Maddie Zappala 5 Sandy Pogarcic 6 Nicole Whitney 7 Dallas Robinson 8 Patty Walton.