POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (September 18, 2011) -- The Vassar College women's rugby team has recruited well these past two years and the squad, although still not at full strength, numbers 38. In sharp contrast the Hofstra University Women's program is struggling this year and they had their pre-season disrupted by the tropical storm that hit the Northeast. Three years ago Vassar faced Army in similar circumstances and were unceremoniously thumped by 70 points. This time it was Hofstra on the receiving end of a 13-try game.

Vassar College Women 71 v 5 Hofstra University Women
Tries: O'Mara Taylor (5), Margaret Kwateng (2), Shanaye Williams (2), Chelsea Boccagno (2), Addie Provenzano (2).
Cons: O'Mara Taylor (2), Hannah Bober (1).

Overall Record: 2-0.

Next week: Saturday September 24, 2011 versus Rutger's University Women at Vassar College Farm, kick-off 1:00 pm 

The Brewers have a good deal of pace this year and on this dry, sunny, warm fall afternoon in front of a big crowd they wanted to impress. The Vassar Rugby Field is full size and for any team not used to playing with that kind of width it can prove difficult. O'Mara Taylor and Margaret Kwateng showed good turns of speed and were rewarded with a total of 7 tries between them.

A solid scrum, despite Nichelle Jackson out injured, allowed Vassar to have plenty of ball and with the calm and calculating Hannah Bober at 10 things ran smoothly. Alyssa Bell had a strong game and made some excellent tackles to lead from the front. She carries the ball well and with this added defensive strength she is developing into a crucial player. She took a knock to her shoulder so there is some concern for next weekend but we will have to wait and see what the medical team find. Chelsea Boccagno in the center was strong and direct and she will trouble plenty of defenses this year.

Although there were plenty of tries to see there was also some good tackling as Nicole Guerrero, Natalie Ward, Bell, and Maddie Zappala put themselves about disrupting Hofstra attacks. It was also great to see the rookies get involved and they too made good plays in both attack and defense.

Vassar will face a much sterner test next week as Rutger's come to Poughkeepsie. The team will need to work hard all week and have a determined mindset.

Team: 15 Addie Provenzano 14 Naomi Dann 13 Chelsea Boccagno 12 Julia Maltby 11 Natalie Ward 10 Hannah Bober 9 Margaret Kwateng 1 Alyssa Bell 2 Maddie Little 3 Shanaye Williams 4 Sandy Pogarcic 5 Sophia Rutkin 6 Maddie Zapalla 7 Nicole Guerrero 8 O'Mara Taylor.