Vassar Brewers Defeat Bowdoin in Maine

By Steven Merritt

BRUNSWICK, M.E. – On an absolutely stunningly beautiful New England fall day with sunshine and warm temperatures, the Vassar Women showed good improvement from last week in their set piece and general open play execution to defeat Bowdoin College. Three first half tries gave Vassar a 21-0 lead and although Bowdoin scored a try just before the halftime stoppage a 21-5 margin was certainly a fair reflection of the run of play after 40 minutes.

The message to the Brewers was simple for this game against the Bowdoin College Varsity Women’s Rugby program make tackles and make no errors.

Outside center Caeli Porette opened the Vassar scoring account with a strong run following a good pass from flyhalf Kasey Drake and Zoe Lynch added the extras. A 7-0 lead soon became 14-0 after prop forward Andie Authers drove over from close range. Authers is making a habit of scoring each week from the trenches and she added a second try to give Vassar a healthy lead of 21-0.

The Vassar scrum saw Julie Geller play her first full game at loosehead and she did an admirable job, no doubt spurred on by the achievements of her predecessor and confidant Sophia Florida.

Vassar’s Lauren Showalter at Number 8 had a good day at the office. They picked and ran with confidence and it was their try that put Vassar further ahead 26-5 early in the second half.

Vassar fullback Claire Zickl had a good game and on a couple of occasions pulled off try saving tackles after breakthroughs by a Bowdoin ball carrier. She also fielded quite a few kicks and was a rock at the back for Vassar either tidying up or counter-attacking.

The Brewers will return to action tomorrow afternoon when they take on Marist in the Tri-State Conference Quarterfinal. Kickoff with the Red Foxes is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.

Tries: Caeli Porette (1), Andie Authers (2), Lauren Showalter (1).
Cons: Zoe Lynch (3)

Team: 15 Claire Zickl 14 Jamie Marinez 13 Caeli Porette 12 Isabel Rodriguez 11 Zoe Lynch 10 Kasey Drake 9 Sophia Bailey 1 Julie Geller 2 Claire Dwyer 3 Andie Authers 4 Grace Skakel 5 Louise Ambler 6 Asia Baker 7 Yasmeen Kassem-Scott 8 Lauren Showalter