HEMPSTEAD, NY (September 15, 2012) - On a stunning fall afternoon, with the temperature in the 70's and under a bright sunny sky, the Vassar women's rugby team dominated their hosts Hofstra right from the start. Two quick scores laid down an early marker and they never looked back running out emphatic winners 66-7 scoring 12 tries in total.

Vassar College Women 66 v 7 Hofstra University Women
Tries: Tamasha Persaud (2), Yael Schwartz (1), Nichelle Jackson (1),
Shanaye Williams (1), Chelsea Boccagno (1), Sophia Rutkin (1), Nicole
Guererro (1), Dallas Robinson (1), Julia Maltby (2),  & Cierra Thomas
(1).
Cons: Hannah Bober (3).

Vassar needed to bounce back from the previous weekend when they tied with Albany University.  A young and inexperienced Hofstra team was just what the doctor ordered. Vassar right wing Tamasha Persaud was quickly in the action as number eight Nicole Guererro made a good break and following a ruck the ball was moved swiftly to the wing and she went over from close range. Moments later scrumhalf Yael Schwartz dove through a ruck and Vassar led 10-0.

The game plan is simple for this team this year and they did a good job in the opening 20 minutes establishing themselves.  The two early tries were soon followed by another two from the Vassar props Nichelle Jackson and Shanaye Williams, both showing power and pace to take the score to 20-0.

Vassar fly half Hannah Bober was having a good game but the conversion kicks were difficult on account of the angles. She did convert 3 of 12 on the day and was her usual solid defensive self while orchestrating the backs efficiently in attack. She had ample possession and made good use of it.

Another five tries in the first half meant that the game was done and dusted after 40 minutes and with a 49-0 lead the bench was emptied to allow the rookies some experience with the steadying influence of some veteran players. Off came Chelsea Boccagno and in fact she hurt her ankle and may be out for some time. Also off came Dallas Robinson, Meg Slattery, and Emma Elbaum and the home team began to get some ball.

The second half was a much more even affair as Vassar scored 3 tries to none to round off the game. Center Julia Maltby scored two and rookie Cierra Thomas went searing through for her first rugby try ever.

There is still a ton of work for this squad to do but they surely must have gotten an understanding of how they want to play given their successes today.

Team: 15 Hannah Fink 14 Tamasha Persaud 13 Julia Maltby 12 Chelsea
Boccagno 11 Cierra Thomas 10 Hannah Bober 9 Yael Schwartz 1 Nichelle
Jackson 2 Emma Elbaum 3 Shanaye Williams 4 Patty Walton 5 Sophia
Rutkin 6 Dallas Robinson 7 Meg Slattery 8 Nicole Guererro. Subs: Julia
McGill for Nicole Guererro (blood), Nora Kaye for Chelsea Boccagno,
Leigh Yakubowski for Julia Maltby, Manola Fortun for Emma Elbaum,
Wanda Noonan for Meg Slattery, Imara Jones for Dallas Robinson,
Shanice Garwood for Sophia Rutkin.

Overall record: 1-0-1.
Next weekend: Sunday September 23, 2012 Vassar College Women versus Quinnipiac University Women at Vassar College Farm, Kick-off 2:00 pm.

Vassar College Women “B” 36 v 0 Hofstra University Women “B”
Tries: Nora Kaye (1), Meg Slattery (1), Hannah Fink (2), Tamasha
Persaud (1), Imara Jones (1).
Cons: Shanaye Williams (3).

In a shortened game to get the rookies from both programs experience it was again Vassar that controlled matters. It was inspiring to see the new players perform for the first time and to a player they acquitted themselves very well. Oh sure, we had the deer in the headlights moments but there were numerous highlights when one looks at strong running with the ball in hand or ball placement after the tackle. Wanda Noonan was direct and strong. Imara Jones showed good pace when not trying to figure out if she wanted to run while Shanice Garwood placed the ball well and Nora Kaye broke tackles. It is early days and if these players stick with the sport they will do well.

Tries came from the more experienced players and Hannah Fink scored two which was fair reward for her running. The final try of the game was scored by Imara Jones and was symbolic of the rookie efforts. Prop Shanaye Williams kicked three conversions to the delight of the huge crowd and Hannah Bober now has some competition for this job.

Team: 15 Hannah Fink 14 Leigh Yakubowski 13 Cierra Thomas 12 Nora Kaye
11 Tamasha Persaud 10 Meg Slattery 9 Yael Schwartz 1 Shanaye Williams
2 Nicole Guerrero 3 Manola Fortun 4 Julia McGill 5 Sophia Rutkin 6
Shanice Garwood 7 Imara Jones 8 Wanda Noonan.

Overall record: 1-0.