Poughkeepsie, NY -  The Vassar College Women defeated their cross-town rivals Marist College in the Tri-State Conference semifinal by 39-33 and full credit is due to the visitors for running the game so close. The Red Foxes led early 7-5 and their flyhalf and inside center combination was particularly strong. But Vassar controlled good portions of the match and that was crucial as it limited the amount of possession for the visitors.

Vassar College Women 39 v 33 Marist College Women
Tries: Sophia Bailey (5), Yasmeen Kassem-Scott (1), Samuel Tang (1).
Cons: Zoe Lynch (2).

This is just what the doctor ordered as the Brewers opened their postseason period of play. A tough local derby with high stakes, as the loser would be done for the fall and the winner advance to the Conference Final. Add in the fact that back in April the two teams had played out a 24-22 game with Vassar prevailing and there was going to be no quarter given.

The breakdown was a very hard fought area and the Marist players kept trying to poach the ball. Many times it appeared players entered at the side or the tackler was not out of the way so there was considerable frustration.

In the first half Vassar went up 5-0 before Marist came back strongly to lead 7-5. Vassar responded immediately and Bailey got her second try and the Brewers led 10-7. In a seesaw first half Vassar went further ahead 15-7 and then 20-14 as Zoe Lynch was struggling from the tee. Marist twice battled back to make the difference at the half 20-19.

Vassar's Sophia Bailey was in good form and with a regular supply of ball she plagued her opponents along the way scoring three tries in the first half. But this was far from a one woman show. Bailey was very ably assisted by her teammates and up front Emma Niehaus enjoyed a good game having been out for three weeks and the forwards as a whole managed to recycle the ball regularly. Vassar lost lock forward Julia Wolff quite early but the experienced lock should be back next week. Try number three for Vassar was scored by Vassar Number 8 Yasmeen Kassem-Scott as they powered over the goal line.

The Vassar centers were tested today and overall did well. Ella Maniatis and Maddie Sumrow put in tackles that stopped Marist attacks cold. Although the score sheet will show that Sophia Bailey ran in five tries her defensive efforts are to be commended today as she made a slew of important tackles.

After the halftime break, Vassar had a solid 20-25-minute spell driving upfield and in the process scored three tries to lead 39-19. It looked like the writing was on the wall for the Marist team. But Marist stormed back in the last 15 minutes scoring two tries, both converted and the game finished at 39-33.

Vassar is still very much a work in progress and squandered a couple of gilt-edged chances so more significant gains have to be made over the next week.The team now plays next weekend on Sunday November 10th, 2024 against Fairfield University at Vassar Farm. It is an opportunity to regain the Conference title.

Team: 15 Nadya LaMarr 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 Samuel Tang 6 Tate Wagner 7 Mette McKinney 8 Yasmeen Kassem-Scott.
Subs: Nina Fishman for Julia Wolff, AC Smith for Mette McKinney (B), Makaela Weldon for Maddie Sumrow.

Record: 10-0-0.
Conference: 8-0-0.

Next: Sunday November 10, 2024 Tri-State Conference Final 
Vassar College Women v Fairfield University Women at Vassar Farm kick-off 12:00 pm.

Vassar College Women B 60 v 0 Marist College Women B 

Tries: Rosie Perkinson (2), Rahmat Gambari (2), Sarah Towne (2), AC Smith (2), Gus Pointer Mace (1), Sabine Weil (1).
Cons: Sarah Towne (5).

This was a clinic. The Vassar team put on a first class performance and held shape and purpose throughout this game. It produced multiple opportunities and a lot of players held up their hand for selection. The only missing ingredient is experience and the team made up for that with effort and organization.

It was good to have Chloe Ellis at playmaker and distribution to the outside backs paid dividends. Rosie Perkinson sliced through twice as did Rahmat Gambari. The forwards kept things simple and gaps opened up that allowed for players to get in behind the Marist defense. Sarah Towne and AC Smith found the whitewash for a brace each and the former also slotted 5 conversions.

The hard work and commitment shown by Lydia Hong is proving inspirational. The scrumhalf is the beating heart of this team as she runs, passes and tackles giving 100% all the time.

Team: 15 Rahmat Gambari 14 Sophie Moreau 13 Rosie Perkinson 12 Makaela Weldon 11 Foster Schrader 10 Chloe Ellis 9 Lydia Hong 1 AC Smith 2 Gus Pointer Mace 3 Freya Braiker 4 Zoey Ojalvo 5 Caedwyn Bardsley Cutler 6 Ellie Carr 7 Kiki Takata 8 Sarah Towne.
Subs: Eleanor Jacoby for Caedwyn Bardsley Cutler, Sophie Moreau for Makaela Weldon, Sabine Weil for AC Smith, Makaela Weldon for Rosie Perkinson, Alessandra Salve, Sacha Karasik.
Injured: Maggie Nealis, Maritza Flores, Maisy Richardson, Jude Robinson, Becca Middlen & Eleanor Gegen.
Unavailable: Rylan Liu, Danny White, Jaleea Medeiros & Cher Mei.
JYA: Annie Adams & Yael Tuckman.