The Vassar Women ground out a win against the Colby Mules and one has to credit the Maine based school for a dogged defensive effort. The slippery wet and very muddy conditions did neither side any favors but Vassar was able to dominate territory and contain the Colby attack apart from one hiccup. The Brewers were held up in-goal on at least 5 occasions and probably left another couple of tries out on the paddock. It was a very difficult day to play rugby and continuity was hard to maintain.

The victory has set-up a quarterfinal against Buffalo State tomorrow, Sunday, at 2:15 pm. The winner advances to the Final 4 in Greenville, SC on the weekend of December 2 & 3, 2017.

Vassar was able to make good yards and get in behind the Colby defense and did not really have any problem making progress. But too often turnovers in the opposition 22 allowed Colby the opportunity to clear their line.

The first score came when Oshana Reich did well to get over from short range and a 5-0 lead was soon increased to 10 after fellow flanker Sarah Mawhinney also slithered in. It was a day when players were covered in mud from head to toe and just hanging on to the ball was difficult. The Vassar scrum was solid and put Colby under serious pressure. Driven back near their line the Colby front row stood up and yet was not penalized. Other scrums went backwards and wheeled around messing up the quality of ball and yet there was no consequence!

From a turnover the Colby backs pushed the ball wide and managed to get around the Vassar defense and with 10 minutes left in the half it was 10-5.

On attack Vassar moved forward at will it seemed but would then get turned over and it was game on. The next score was critical for if Colby was to mount a challenge they had to get back in the contest. But it was Vassar who scored a further 3 tries to put them into the USA Rugby Fall Championship quarterfinals for the 5th consecutive year.

Abby Alexander had a strong game and moved to fullback when Michelle Urrutia had to depart. Her try was the critical next score. Captain Amanda Saich went over as did replacement prop Elaina Peterkin.

Mention for the defensive work of the Vassar centers Alicia Menard-Livingston and Kayla Lightner is due since they did well to stop what attacks were launched by Colby.

To a woman the Vassar players will have to improve their defensive effort and everyone must make positive tackles.