HAMDEN, CT (October 8, 2011) -- It was a must win game for the Vassar College women's rugby team after two previous very close divisional losses. The division leaders, Rutgers, had beaten the Brewers 24-22 and last week Stony Brook won by a point 28-27, so Vassar had her back to the wall. Quinnipiac are a new full Varsity program and the day started with player introductions, the National Anthem, game programs, and a live radio broadcast of the game to boot. Under beautiful blue skies and in 75 degree heat Vassar responded with 6 tries to run out winners 38-5.

Vassar College Women 38 v 5 Quinnipiac Women
Tries: O'Mara Taylor (1), Nicole Guerrero (2), Emma Redden (1), Margaret Kwateng(2).
Cons: O'Mara Taylor (4).

Overall Record: 3-2-0.

Next week: Sunday October 16, 2011 at Marist College Women in Poughkeepsie, kick-off 11:00 am

The opening exchanges saw the home team pressure the Vassar line with a series of lineouts following a number of penalties as the Brewers seem to take time to adjust to the referee. But staunch defense, including good tackles and rucking, held the Bobcats at bay and eventually the pressure was lifted.

Hannah Bober at flyhalf got the back division moving and freshman Emma Redden in her debut ran powerfully while Chelsea Boccagno zipped into gaps and zigged and zagged her way through the defense. Both retained the ball in contact and it was recycled by the supporting players. The lineout for Vassar kept getting called not straight but from one overthrown ball Margaret Kwateng burst up field. Vassar went through several phases and then close to the line were awarded a penalty. Kwateng needed no further invitation and she quickly tapped and passed to O'Mara Taylor who plunged over. Vassar led 5-0 after 14 minutes.

The Vassar forwards had gained good yards with straight running and they drove back down to the Quinnipiac goal line. Dallas Robinson, Alyssa Bell, and Sandy Pogarcic leading the way. It was Nicole Guererro who was also having a blinder of a game and she went over for Vassar's second try around the 20 minute mark. O'Mara Taylor converted and it was a 12 point margin.

Quinnipiac came charging back and again threatened the Vassar line but Emma Redden made a dramatic break and went about 60 yards before being brought down. Vassar then fell foul of the referee and two players were sin-binned! Quinnipiac had also had a player yellow-carded a little earlier. First Margaret Kwateng was offside and then Dallas Robinson was judged to have made a high-tackle and while they were off the field Quinnipiac scored to make it 12-5. Quinnipiac swung the ball from touchline to touchline and eventually Vassar was short defenders. It stayed that way up to halftime.

Quinnipiac started the second half with a sweeping backline move and went down to the Vassar 22. But the Brewers took possession and marched back to the other end. They wt through multiple phases and eventually the ball was passed to the Vassar backs and it was the rookie Redden who slid in for a good try.

The 19-5 score put Vassar ahead 2 converted tries and they seemed comfortable. Margaret Kwateng scored the next try when she went on a mazy run fending off would-be tacklers from about 25 yards out. Now Vassar was cooking with gas and the forwards running with confidence. Nicole Guererro again went over from short range after she had destroyed a Quinnipiac player in a previous ruck.  The final try was a deserved one for Margaret Kwateng and the win plus bonus point had been secured.

After the game the team enjoyed pizza courtesy of Mrs. and Mrs. Von Wolfhausen and had the opportunity to talk with current USA Natinal player Vanesha McGee who spoke to them about playing at college, after college, and for select side teams. The Temple University graduate had watched the game and kindly agreed to say a few words to the Vassar Women.

It was a good win but the Vassar Women still have a lot of work to do if they are to make the playoffs. There were numerous encouraging signs as rookie wing Hannah Fink tackled well, Maddie Zappala was a force around the field and continues to improve, and Dallas Robinson had some storming runs.

Next Sunday a tough local derby game is scheduled against Marist College. Last year the Red Foxes defeated Vassar and it's still have to win time for the Brewers.

Team: 15 Addie Provenzano 14 Natalie Ward 13 Chelsea Boccagno 12 Emma Redden 11 Hannah Fink 10 Hannah Bober 9 Margaret Kwateng 1 Nichelle Jackson 2 Alyssa Bell 3 Sophia Rutkin 4 Maddie Zappala 5 Sandy Pogarcic 6 Nicole Guererro 7 Dallas Robinson 8 O'Mara Taylor. Subs: Maddie Little for Sophia Rutkin, Meg Slattery for Sandy Pogarcic.