- Head Coach Tony Brown

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (October 4, 2015) – For the first time this fall season the Vassar defense was tested and while not exposed it's clear that the team needs to be a lot better in this area. The speed at which it must be set-up has to be so much quicker. That the team held the University at Albany scoreless in the first half was creditable especially given that the visitors had significant territory and a fair amount of possession.

Vassar College Women 37 v 12 University at Albany Women

Tries: Cierra Thomas (1), Lauren Workman (1), Darienne Jones (2), Anne Fritzson (1), Nathalie Freeman (2).

Cons: Mary Margaret McElduff (1).

Cierra Thomas scored Vassar's first try exploding across the Albany defense and fending off 3 attempted tacklers. The inside center has been on fire this fall and is lightning quick. The Vassar forwards have given her a wonderful platform and delivered the ball on a silver platter but today ball placement sometimes went astray.

The Thomas try was followed by a gift from Albany as they overthrew a jumper and the ball fell into the hands of Lauren Workman in the middle of the lineout. There was no one on front of her and she burst through to score. The visitors then had a good attacking spell for about 10 minutes or so as they tried to move the ball to outflank the Vassar defense. But when a number of attacks had been thwarted either a knock-on or a steal in the loose meant that there was no return for all the effort. Vassar withstood the siege and then broke out. It was not anything spectacular but rather good disciplined rucking and ball retention that allowed them to get out of their half and into the attacking third of the field. Eventually, a penalty was conceded by Albany and Darienne Jones alertly went over. Now the score stood at 15-0 and the attending alumni could not have been more pleased. Jones again scored just before the half on a carbon copy of her first try and Vassar led 20-0 after the first 40 minutes.

Albany got onto the score sheet with a try after their Number 8 made a good break down the right wing. Vassar flanker Sarah Mawhinney needs to be more dynamic and stop this attack preferably at or behind the gain line. But Albany would not score again until the last 30 seconds of the game and by then Vassar had added a further 17 points with 3 tries and a conversion.

Anne Fritzson scored a lovely simple try down the right wing and the forwards had another strong half in the loose. Too many lineouts were thrown not straight but the supply of ball for Vassar never dried up and in the end Albany was well beaten.

Next up is Marist whom always seems to get stronger as the season progresses. They too have dangerous backs that if given time and space are a real threat.

Team: 15 Abigail Alexander 14 Anne Fritzson 13 Laila Blumenthal-Rothchild 12 Cierra Thomas 11 Molly Osborn 10 Mary Margaret McElduff 9 Jyen Wong 1 Darienne Jones 2 Kristina Catomeris 3 Mariah Ghant 4 Lauren Workman 5 Amanda Saich 6 Sarah Mawhinney 7 Nathalie Freeman 8 Taylor Nunley.

Overall record: 4-0-0

Next week: Sunday October 11th, 2015 at Marist College - Kickoff 1:00 p.m.

Vassar College Women "B" 45 v 5 University at Albany Women "B"

Tries: Rachel Elson (2), Elaina Peterkin (1), Claire Fondrie-Teitler (1), Min Chen (1), Makena Emery (1), & Kayla Lightner (1).

Cons: Michelle Urrutia (3) & Makena Emery (2).

The "B" side quickly got into rhythm and scrumhalf Jennie To distributed to the backs and forwards well despite some switches in direction. Her halfback partner, Rachel Elson, did manage to get her passes off to the direct running centers Michelle Urrutia and Kayla Lightner and that stretched the U. at Albany defense.

Up front Elaina Peterkin was strong and she always keeps her composure when tackled, so presentation of the ball was good. The forwards as a unit worked together and although there was some chaotic moments they were less frequent than previous weeks. Oshana Reich had a strong performance and is quite quick off the mark while Megan de Koning hit rucks like she was playing for the Boks! Tighthead prop Min Chen worked hard in the set piece and was rewarded with a try after Rachel Elson had opened the scoring followed by Peterkin and Claire Fondrie-Teitler.

Vassar showed good shape and that kept the U. at Albany on their heels guessing where the attack would come from next. When changes were made the team did not skip a beat and it was good to see Alicia Menard-Livingston get in a couple of good runs and a tackle.

Unfortunately, Michelle Urrutia injured her knee in the second half and may be out for a week or so but that was not before she had made the gain line a few times and kicked 3 conversions for the team.

Much like the "A" side there is still a lot of work to do but the signs of a decent foundation are evident.

Team: 15 Makena Emery 14 Rachel Jones 13 Kayla Lightner 12 Michelle Urrutia 11 Allegra von Hirschberg 10 Rachel Elson 9 Jennie To 1 Min Chen 2 Andrea Ramsay 3 Elaina Peterkin 4 Katie Sworden 5 Oshana Reich 6 Megan de Koning 7 Marron McConnell 8 Claire Fondrie-Teitler. Subs: Catrina Tellez for Andrea Ramsay, Alicia Menard-Livingston for Rachel Jones, Patrice Scott for Megan de Koning.

--VASSAR--