Vassar College Women
Loudonville, NY
Saturday November 4^th, 2017
 
Vassar Women Conference Champion 2017
It wasn't pretty but the Brewers got the job done as they defeated the University at Albany in the Conference Championship game. Playing conditions were perfect as it was dry and sunny and although it was cold this was not a typical November day. The hosts, Siena College, had played earlier losing to Marist College, so it was a banner day for the Poughkeepsie based schools with Vassar taking the title.
 
Vassar College Women 41 v 19 University at Albany Women
Tries:  Amanda Saich (2), Charlotte Benoit (1), Kate Sworden (1), Michelle Urrutia (1), Jennie To (1), Kayla Lightner (1).
Cons: Makena Emery (3).
Uncharacteristically, Vassar fell behind 7-0 as Albany outflanked the sluggish Vassar defense after about 10 minutes of play. Missed tackles rather than tactical nous was the cause and worryingly it continued throughout the 80 minutes.
 
Vassar did respond well as the forwards drove a lineout and Number 8 Amanda Saich went over to score. Makena Emery slotted the conversion and matters were tied at 7-7. In the first 30 minutes Vassar was able to consistently get over the gain line and a further two tries were collected but there were a host of unforced errors and turnovers. Again the errors would haunt Vassar throughout the match and  
 
Silly unnecessary penalties given away, players going into touch and missed tackles all contributed to a ragged affair. It kept the game interesting for the spectators but was a source of frustration for the Brewers.
 
Try number 2 was scored by Charlotte Benoit after the forwards picked well following a couple of good line breaks by Kayla Lightner. In fact, Lightner and fellow center Menard-Livingston, made multiple line breaks all day despite the close attention of the Albany defenders. Kate Sworden scored the next try but had to leave the field later in the game with a couple of lacerations to her right eyelid. She should be fine for next weekend.
 
Scrumhalf Jennie To alertly scored to give Vassar a 29-7 lead as the half drew to a close. The early scare had passed and with a chat at halftime one felt that the Vassar team would tidy up matters and play a better second half.
 
Vassar got just the start they wanted as Albany kicked from their 22 and Vassar fullback Michelle Urrutia made a stunning catch and promptly returned the ball about 40 yards for a try. At 34-7 Albany faced a mountain to climb.
 
The second half saw Albany take Vassar on with a more direct approach and midway through a try was scored to cheer the Great Dane supporters. Vassar's scrum had been dominant in the first half but was put under some pressure in the second 40. At 34-12 another score by Albany would have had the alarm bells sound sounding. As it was Vassar would score next as Saich collected her second try yet still Albany kept pounding away at the Vassar defense.
 
As things turned out both teams would score 2 tries and kick 1 conversion in the second half and Vassar prevailed 41-19. The game video will show up the slew of missed tackles and players must realize that they have to improve in this area. The old cliché that defense wins championships must be taken to heart.
 
Congratulations are due to the team and the entire squad for achieving the required result and taking the Conference title but it is tempered with a touch of concern about the performance. Still it should focus all at practice next week.
 
Team: 15 Michelle Urrutia  14 Abby Alexander  13 Kayla Lightner 12 Alicia Menard-Livingston 11 Andrea Ramsay  10 Makena Emery 9 Jennie To 1 Kate Sworden 2 Marron McConnell 3 Charlotte Benoit 4 Miranda Scarlata 5 Claire Fondrie-Teitler  6 Sarah Mawhinney 7 Oshana Reich 8 Amanda Saich.
Subs: Kaitlin Prado for Kate Sworden, Elaina Peterkin for Charlotte Benoit.
 
Record: 8-0-0
 
Next:  Opponent and date to be confirmed.
Saturday Nov.  11 or Sunday Nov. 12, 2017 USA Rugby Fall Championship Round of 32 at Vassar College.