POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - One try in the first half and three in the second from the Brewers was enough to see the Vassar Women prevail against Marist in a battle of the two undefeated teams in the Tri-State Conference North Division. The game saw Marist apply a good deal of pressure, both in terms of territory and possession, holding the ball for extended periods of time. It was a good match-up and Vassar will be all the better for having played this match rather than galloping away to a 50-point win.

Vassar College 24 v 7 Marist College Women

Tries: Emma Manzella (1), Yuming Ren (1), Mia Walsh (1), Charlotte Benoit (1).

Cons: Aislinn Vences-Dimas (2).

A whole slew of turnovers in the first half that included 6 knock-ons, a few dropped passes and a number of penalties at the breakdown gifted Marist the ball. Credit is due the home team as they tore into their visitors. Marist players ran hard and they offloaded moving the ball wide. Vassar's Catherine Gladstone, Halle Hutchinson, and Caroline James stood out making good tackles. On the other side of that coin was the fact that Vassar players were missing tackles allowing the Foxes to get in behind. So as Marist made inroads Vassar had to scramble to prevent a try.

Having weathered some early pressure Vassar did get some continuity and center Emma Manzella slipped through to open the scoring. The conversion from Aislinn Vences-Dimas made it a 7-0 lead. It was testimony to the closeness of this game that there were no further scores in the first 40 minutes. Vassar did have the better stats in terms of territory but Marist would counter-punch and then defend.

The second half Vassar did a better job of holding the ball and was able to move forward. There were too many penalties given away and that allowed Marist into the game. Yuming Ren barged her way over to put Vassar up 12-0 before Marist scored and it was 12-7. Then Mia Walsh alertly took a quick tap and scooted in and it was 17-7. It seemed when Vassar held the ball they could move down the field.

The last try came when Charlotte Benoit and the forwards drove over the line and the win was secured.

There still needs to be a massive improvement in tackling and all the Vassar players must step up and take responsibility. 

Team: 15 Molly Lynch 14 Julia Busby 13 Emma Manzella 12 Caroline James 11 Sophia Blush 10 Aislinn Vences-Dimas 9 Mia Walsh 1 Meg Martin 2 Charlotte Benoit 3 Kaira Smith 4 Maddie Crump 5 Catherine Gladstone 6 Emily Howell 7 Kayla Vasquez 8 Halle Hutchinson.

Subs: Yuming Ren for Kaira Smith, Morgan Hayman for Emily Howell, Alexa Mousley for Emma Manzella and Kira Nolan for Maddie Crump.


Vassar College "B" 22 v 0 Marist College Women "B"

Tries: Molly Lynch (2), Marie Claire Cicenia (1) & Morgan Hayman (1).

Cons: Marie Claire Cicenia (1).

This was the top of the bill game as rookies from each team took the field, some for the first time, and it was time to see what they had learnt.

Vassar was well led by Kira Nolan who had been sick all week and dropped to the bench for the first game. Her pass was good and the Vassar backs looked dangerous.

The rookies made tackles, hit rucks and ran when they got their hands on the ball. Presentation was generally good although sometimes bearings were lost and squeeze ball might not have been the best option. Lessons learned.

At flyhalf Marie Claire Cicenia distributed well and center Alexa Mousley ran with good purpose.

At the half it was 0-0 but Vassar ran in 4 tries to take the win in the second period.

Team: 15 Julia Busby 14 Lauren Thompson 13 Alexa Mousley 12 Victoria Wilk 11 Sophia Blush 10 Marie Claire Cicenia 9 Kira Nolan 1 Yuming Ren 2 Hannah Thompson 3 Morgan Hayman 4 Hannah Witts 5 Sophia Florida 6 Louise Ambler 7 Gillian Ciaccio 8 Hannah Charlson.
Subs: Molly Lynch for Louise Ambler.

Next: Saturday October 12, 2019 versus the University at Albany at Vassar College Farm KO 12:00 pm

Overall record: 4-0-0