POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - In stark contrast to last week's wet and windy weather this game, the Conference semifinal, was played under a sunny sky and in dry conditions. The first 30 minutes was a stalemate in terms of points scored with neither team crossing the whitewash. But the Brewers dominated territory and had the lion's share of possession and a try just before halftime put Vassar up 7-0. It was a lead that they would never surrender.

Vassar College 33 v 12 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Women
Tries: Emily Howell (2), Yuming Ren (1), Emma Manzella (1) & Meg Martin (1).
Cons: Meg Martin (1) & Aislinn Vences-Dimas (3).

Almost the entire first half was played in Rensselaer territory and one has to acknowledge the defensive effort of the Engineers. They tackled and battled for every minute and every inch. There were long periods of play with multiple phases and at times players looked out on their feet but somehow both attackers and defenders regrouped and kept going.

Vassar was guilty of moving the ball wide too early as RPI elected to cover the full width of the field with 12 or 13 defenders. Freshman flyhalf Marie Claire Cicenia will gain a lot from this experience particularly when she watches the video. A team has to earn the right to go wide. Mia Walsh at scrumhalf had a good game overall but on a few occasions she did not use the full width of the field and had she done so tries were missed.

The first score was something of a gift for the Brewers. As Vassar pounded close to the line the ball was lost in a ruck and an RPI back kicked poorly from her goal line. The kick was gathered by center Alexa Mousley who flicked it from the ground to right wing Julia Busby wo dashed for the posts only to stumble a couple of yards short! Vassar won the next two rucks and it was Emily Howell who drove over to give the home team the lead. Meg Martin converted the try and it was 7-0.

At the very start of the second half Rensselaer made some inroads into the Vassar half but the Brewers got possession and quickly got back into Rensselaer territory. After a series of attacks it was lock Yuming Ren who powered over from close range and Vassar had a cushion at 14-0.

The Vassar scrum was overpowering the RPI eight and that bodes well for the future however, the Vassar forwards must remember to work hard at all scrums.

Vassar caught the ensuing kick-off, marched down the field and set up camp in the RPI 22. A good run from Molly Lynch saw a ruck form about 10 yards out and then Emma Manzella picked and ran in for Vassar's third try.

Just when one might have thought RPI was down and out they bounced back with a series of attacks and stayed in the Vassar half for a number of phases and the pressure resulted in a try as their forwards picked and scored from close range. 19-5 was the score with 25 minutes left in the game. But Vassar immediately went back and Meg Martin went over to make it 26-5.

In the end RPI did score again and convert but Vassar had the last word as Emily Howell scooped up a loose ball and went 50 yards for a try and a final scoreline of 33-12.

Vassar advance to the Tri-State Conference Championship game to be played next weekend at Siena College in Loudonville, NY where the Brewers will face Marist College.

It's the business end of the season now and the players need to be well and truly focused on working hard and doing the basic skills correctly.

Team: 15 Molly Lynch 14 Julia Busby 13 Alexa Mousley 12 Emily Howell 11 Caroline James 10 Marie Claire Cicenia 9 Mia Walsh 1 Meg Martin 2 Charlotte Benoit 3 Kaira Smith 4 Yuming Ren 5 Ctherine Gladstone 6 Kayla Vasquez 7 Sophia Blush 8 Halle Hutchinson.

Subs: Aislinn Vences-Dimas for Marie Claire Cicenia, Emma Manzella for Julia Busby, Hannah Charlson for Kayla Vasquez, Kira Nolan for Mia Walsh.

Next: Saturday November 9, 2019 Tri-State Conference Championship game versus Marist College Women at Siena College, Loudonville, NY - Kick-off 2:00 pm

Overall record: 9-0-0