Poughkeepsie, NY - It was just 2 weeks ago that Vassar dispatched the Engineers up in Troy, NY 37-19 and the goal today was to keep a clean scoresheet and earn another conference win. But the visitors showed that they had some firepower, albeit aided and abetted by some indifferent tackling from the Brewers, and the home team shipped three tries. Fortunately, the Vassar attack is starting to kick into gear and 37 went to 60.

Vassar College Women 60 v 19 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Women
Tries: Sophia Bailey (5), Zoe Lynch (1), Yasmeen Kassem Scott (2), Leah Dourmashkin (1) & Emma Niehaus (1),
Cons: Zoe Lynch (5).

Vassar was without a few players on account of injury but on the plus side, the replacements are giving a good account of themselves and contributing. At fullback Maggie Nealis started and looked comfortable throughout while Yasmeen Kassem Scott returned to action to replace Kiki Takata who is currently out.

Vassar opened up their attack on this stunning fall afternoon under clear blue skies and brilliant sunshine, and as opposed to the very conservative approach adopted in September shifted the ball wider. More often than not the Brewers found yards to get over the gain line although these carries were interspersed with a couple of thumping defensive tackles from the RPI defense. Rensselaer are a combative squad and the Vassar players felt like the score line did not reflect the difference on the scoreboard and there were plenty of bumps and bruises come the conclusion of the match.

On the credit side of the ledger Vassar was able to push the ball wider and hit gaps in the defensive line. The backs handled the ball reasonably well with only a couple of errors and the shape and structure of the attack is starting to show.

The forwards are being more dynamic with their carries and rucking but one still feels there is a lot more to give in this area. Maybe a look at the highlights of New Zealand Rugby player Ardie Savea would serve to illustrate this point.

First over the goal line for Vassar was Sophia Bailey who is the major beneficiary of a dominant pack. In fact, the speedy scrumhalf scored the second try as well which came from a quick tap penalty about 50 yards out. On the day she scored five tries and would have earned player of the match had there been such a prize on offer. At 14-0 Vassar was in the driving seat and probably guilty of looking in the rearview mirror and that would explain why RPI scored next. A simple tap penalty was not met head on and suddenly it was 14-7. It didn't reflect the time of possession or territorial dominance but nevertheless it was a 1 score game. Vassar responded with 2 more tries in the half to go up 24-7 with Number 8 Yasmeen Kassem Scott doing well to get over.

RPI had a good start to the second half but again it was awful tackling that let the Brewers down. The propensity of players to tackle around the waist and then be dragged along by the ball carrier has to stop. This tackle neither stops the offload nor brings the ball carrier to the ground. In fact, it is not a tackle.

Vassar complicated the task of winning today when the team was reduced to 14 after a yellow card was issued for persistent infringements. Players need to stay on their feet in the rucks - simple fix, don't fall down!

RPI scored to get within 10 points at 24-14. The visitors would never be closer again in this match as Vassar players crossed for five more tries and it was pleasing to see Emma Niehaus get her first A-side try. The hooker is working on her game and deserved this moment.

In summary, the scrum was solid but should have been much more dominant. There were a few big snap shoves when RPI was back on their heels but it needs to be more often. The lineout went quite well and Mette McKinney was at full stretch winning the ball. However, this area too must be stronger and more sophisticated.

Zoe Lynch had a fair day with the boot connecting on 5 of 10 conversions while Sabine Weil was good kicking to touch and distributing the ball.  And both centers, Maniatis and Sumrow tackled in defense, caught the ball on attack and got over the gain line with only a couple of errors. 

So what this game tells us about the Brewers is that the team can play a bit but must strive for consistency and more explosiveness in attack. In addition, the team will need much improved defense, individual and collective. That starts with better tackling and the key to that is attitude.

Team: 15 Maggie Nealis 14 Zoe Lynch 13 Ella Maniatis 12 Maddie Sumrow 11 Leah Dourmashkin 10 Sabine Weil 9 Sophia Bailey 1 Andie Authers 2 Emma Niehaus 3 Eleanor Jacoby 4 Julia Wolff 5 Sam Tang 6 Tate Wagner 7 Mette McKiney 8 Yasmeen Kassem Scott.
Subs: AC Smith for Andie Authers, Makaela Weldon for Ella Maniatis, Nina Fishman for Sam Tang, Ina Zaslavsky for Julia Wolff.

Record: 5-0-0.
Conference: 3-0-0.

Next: Wednesday October 9, 2024 Vassar College Women v Columbia University at Baker Field, 533 W 218th St, New York, NY 10034 kick-off 7:30 pm.

Vassar College Women B XV 43 v 0 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Women B XV
Tries: AC Smith (4), Sarah Towne (1), Caedwyn Bardsley Cutler (1), Ina Zaslavsky (1).
Cons: Nadya LaMarr (4).

Two weeks ago the Vassar B-side team lost to RPI in Troy, NY 17-5 but it seems there has been considerable improvement in a short space of time. Led by prop forward AC Smith with four tries, yes, count 'em four, the Brewers showed good basic shape, pun intended, having runners go around the breakdown and running hard, mixed in with the backs handling the ball. Makaela Weldon and Rosie Perkinson were solid throughout and the halfback pairing of Lydia Hong and Chloe Ellis pulled the strings getting ample ball.

In the forwards Smith was well supported by backrow forward Sarah Towne. The Number 8 tackled with real zeal and also ran well collecting a try. The Vassar front row was so dominant that uncontested scrums were necessary given the demolition job done in the first three scrums!

In the lineouts Ellie Carr provided the ball for attack and Nina Fishman led by example whether carrying or tackling.  The team scored seven tries and Nadya Lamarr kicked four conversions to round out the day. Special thanks go to the Vassar players who crossed over to the other side for they too did RPI and Vassar proud.

Team: 15 Nadya LaMarr 14 Sophie Moreau 13 Rosie Perkinson 12 Makaela Weldon 11 Foster Schrader 10 Chloe Ellis 9 Lydia Hong 1 AC Smith 2 Nina Fishman 3 Freya Braiker 4 Ina Zaslavsky 5 Caedwyn Bardsley Cutler 6 Ellie Carr 7 Gus Pointer Mace 8 Sarah Towne.

Vassar B-side record: 2-1-0.

RPI XV: Clara Mikos, Sacha Karasik, Sadye Krell, Gabrielle Gitau, Alessandra Salve & Rahmat Gambari.
Injured: Kiki Takata, Maritza Flores, Maisy Richardson, Zoey Ojalvo, Becca Middlen & Eleanor Gegen.
Unavailable: Rylan Liu, Claire Blisard, Danny White, Jaleea Medeiros & Cher Mei.
JYA: Annie Adams & Yael Tuckman.