POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (September 23, 2012) - The Vassar women's rugby team put in a strong showing but did not defend well enough in the backs to stop a fast and athletic Quinnipiac. This was partly due to injuries and players playing in new positions so they will be able to improve with hard work and a can-do attitude. There was a massive effort by all and the second half in particular was a real character check and they will have learnt a lot about themselves today. The team record is now 1-1-1 in the conference and there is plenty to play for particularly given that the forwards are looking strong.

Vassar College Women 12 v 36 Quinnipiac University Women
Tries: Yael Schwartz (1) & Penalty Try (1).
Cons: Hannah Bober (1).

Quinnipiac came to the Vassar Farm on the back of three emphatic wins this season over Eastern Illinois, Binghamton, and New Paltz and not having conceded a try. Vassar did not start well and gave up an early try that allowed the visitors to settle. They moved the ball wide and inserted the blindside wing for one score and the second was made when the fullback came into the line. The backs ran well and were always a threat.

Vassar did look dangerous when they kept the ball but early on when they moved it to the backs they lost ground and sometimes possession! At the half Quinnipiac led 17-0 and then added a try to go up 24-0 before the Brewers got on the score sheet.  The forwards drove the ball up field and it was scrumhalf Yael Schwartz who plunged over to the cheers of the home crowd. All the forwards put in a ton of work and are to be commended for their efforts.

But Quinnipiac bounced quickly back and ran in a score despite being 2 players down after two yellow cards were given. The problem was persistent infringement at the rucks with players not getting back onside. While they may complain the video clearly shows players not retiring behind the back foot. Vassar scored when a penalty try was awarded as players at the goal line failed to get onside.

Vassar has to work on getting their backs to be more penetrative and even more important the defense needs to step up and shut down the back divisions they face.

Team: 15 Hannah Fink 14 Tamasha Persaud 13 Julia Maltby 12 Nora Kyle
11 Cierra Thomas 10 Hannah Bober 9 Yael Schwartz 1 Nichelle Jackson 2
Emma Elbaum 3 Shanaye Williams 4 Sophia Rutkin 5 Patty Walton 6 Dallas
Robinson 7 Meg Slattery 8 Nicole Guerrero. Subs: Shira Idris for
Cierra Thomas.

Overall record: 1-1-1.
Next weekend: Sunday September 30, 2012 Vassar College Women at Stony
Brook University Women 12:00 noon.