Vassar College Women 53 v 0 Marist University

Tries: Jude Robinson (2), Eleanor Jacoby (1), Samuel Tang (1), Yasmeen Kassem-Scott (3), Sophia Bailey (1) & Maritza Flores (1).
Cons: Zoe Lynch (4).

Vassar played with real ferocity and purpose immediately taking the game to the Red Foxes with the forwards picking relentlessly and making inroads. The Marist team made some impressive tackles quite literally driving back the Vassar ball carriers. But the Brewers trademark good ball placement and close support proved effective and the team dominated possession and territory.

It was a joy to watch the abrasive running from all the forwards led by Number 8 Yasmeen Kassem-Scott, flanker Tate Wagner and Samuel Tang. Apart from a few big tackles Vassar was winning the collisions and providing good quick ball. 

Two tries from fullback Jude Robinson after solid forward work close to the rucks gave Vassar the message that the game was there for the taking. The question was, could the Brewers keep mistakes to a minimum and not get turned over. Unfortunately for Marist this Vassar team was able to do so on the back of so much unselfish work. Emma Niehaus, Eleanor Jacoby, Maritza Flores worked tirelessly as did their colleagues in the pack and support was quick and decisive. Time and time again a Marist player attempting to steal the ball was thumped back unceremoniously and the ruck won by Vassar.

Try number 3 was scored by Jacoby and with Zoe Lynch's 3 conversions the Brewers led 21-0. Another try just before the half from Tate Wagner brought the tally to 26-0.

The second half saw Marist substitute a host of players and Vassar too rang the changes. But the momentum generated by Vassar remained and it was Yasmeen Kassem-Scott that went on a rampage bulldozing over defenders scoring 2 tries to star the half and a third later.

The Vassar scrum pushed back the Marist eight and stole  a couple against the head and with no platform to earn possession it was a continuous defensive rearguard action from Marist. 

The Vassar backs weren't too shabby either as Sabine Weil ran the show with confidence and dexterity. Makaela Weldon and Ella Maniatis constantly got over the gainline and when the ball was sent out the back Robinson was there to slice through. 

The unsung heros for the Brewers were lock Julia Wolff and flanker Annie Adams. Both were always on hand to win the ball or carry keeping the attack going.

At scrumhalf Sophia Bailey had an excellent game and her try was a thing of real beauty as she tiptoed down the touchline with just millimeters to spare! 

Leah Dourmashkin may not have scored but the left wing never put a foot wrong and beat numerous defenders to aid the Vassar cause.

The team went 4-0-0 on the weekend scoring 39 tries accumulating 232 points. Thirty-one players represented the college over the 4 games and each deserves a medal just for being outside in the horrendous weather conditions!

This is the fourth year in a row that Vassar has won the 15s title at the Beast.  Vassar has attended the Beast 17 times between 2000 and 2025 and been in every final. The team record is 12 titles and 5 second place finishes. Kudos to all this squad for continuing the streak.

Team: 15 Jude Robinson 14 Zoe Lynch 13 Ella Maniatis 12 Makaela Weldon 11 Leah Dourmashkin 10 Sabine Weil 9 Sophia Bailey 1 Maritza Flores 2 Emma Niehaus 3 Eleanor Jacoby 4 Julia Wolff 5 Samuel Tang  6 Tate Wagner 7 Annie Adams 8 Yasmeen Kassem-Scott.
Subs: Danny White for Leah Dourmashkin, Nina Fishman for Eleanor Jacoby, Sarah Towne for Tate Wagner, Rahmat Gambari for Jude Robinson, Maisy Richardson for Sophia Bailey, Chloe Ellis for Sabine Weil, Andie Authers for Emma Niehaus, Foster Schrader for Ella Maniatis.

Overall record: 19-0-0