BINGHAMTON, NY (October 13, 2012) - The Vassar College women's rugby team fell to SUNY-Binghamton Saturday afternoon 27-15 in a Tri-State Conference matchup.

Quite simply this was a performance well below par for Vassar Rugby. The timidity and lethargy in the first half was contagious and it meant tackles were missed and the ball was turned over. Binghamton just ran hard and passed out of contact. It was not as if they did anything else to stretch or test the Vassar defense but it was enough to give them a first half lead of three tries to one as they led 17-5.

Vassar College Women 15 v 27 SUNY-Binghamton Women
Tries: Dallas Robinson (1), Nicole Guererro (1), & Nichelle Jackson (1).

Initially, Vassar managed to maintain possession and looked as if they would do well. The forwards won rucks and they began to establish their pattern. But Binghamton stole a ball in a ruck and made good yards. As if buoyed by their initial success the hosts pressed their advantage. The Binghamton scrum pushed Vassar back at every opportunity and when they picked up at the base of a scrum some 30 yards out the number eight broke through a couple of tackles and Binghamton scored.

Vassar gave up another try and a third that was converted so were in a 17-0 hole before they managed a try of their own from Dallas Robinson after some good work by the forwards.

However, the first half had predominantly been a case of very little intensity whether Vassar had the ball or were defending.

The team regrouped at the half but was never able to close the deficit. Territorially Vassar had a significant edge but poor ball placement or knock-ons led to turnovers and that allowed the home team to halt attacks or break out. In addition, tackles that should have been held were missed and Binghamton scored two tries in the second half. Vassar too scored twice with Nicole Guererro and Nichelle Jackson going over for the Brewers.

There are two conference games remaining in this fall season and it looks as if both will have to be won if a playoff spot is to be secured. The squad has a lot of work and soul searching to do before their next game.

Team: 15 Hannah Fink 14 Shira Idris 13 Tamasha Persaud 12 Cierra
Thomas  11 Nora Kaye 10 Meg Slattery 9 Yael Schwartz 1 Nichelle
Jackson 2 Emma Elbaum 3 Sophia Rutkin 4 Patty Walton 5 Darienne Jones
6 Dallas Robinson 7 Imara Jones  8 Nicole Guererro.

Overall record: 3-2-1.

Next weekend: Sunday October 21, 2012 Vassar College Women versus
Marist College Women at Vassar College Farm - Kick-off 11:00 am.