|
Volume CXXXIII, Number 5 |
 |
Women ruggers crush Providence, face URI
tomorrow
LINDSAY MORRIS
STAFF WRITER
The Women's Rugby Team defeated Providence College's A- and B-side squads
last Saturday by scores of 45-15 and 25-3. Such a win shows great promise
for the ruggers' future, as Providence tied archrival Wellesley 5-5 just
a few weeks ago.
 |
| The women ruggers have been practicing hard for Wellesley. (Henry Coppola, Bowdoin Orient) |
The Providence field was in poor condition last weekend, with patches
of grass missing and acorns and trash strew across the pitch, making tackles
and falls that much more painful. Additionally, in the middle of the A-side
game, a heavy rain engulfed the field and players continued despite slippery
conditions.
Bowdoin surprised Providence with a surge of offense in the game's first
ten minutes, and scored several tries almost immediately and without defense.
Providence was caught off guard, and came back stronger in rest of the
game with increased speed, force, and aggression.
Coaches MaryBeth and Bob Matthews agreed that once Providence came back,
it was a pretty evenly matched game and exciting to watch. The official
of the game observed that it was some of the best women's rugby he'd seen
played at the collegiate level in years.
Emily Angel '04 scored several tries to boost the Bowdoin score, and
Julie Thompson '02 notched many of the team's points by making several
successful conversion kicks.
Junior Camilla Yamada took advantage of the "eight man pick up,"
taking the ball from the end of the ruck (where the scrum half usually
gets it), faking a pass to the fly half, and making several impressive
runs to advance the field.
Keeping with the tradition of picking up where the A-side left off, the
Bowdoin B-side squad displayed considerable strength and passion on the
field. Only a portion of the team could attend the Providence game, due
to travel arrangements and fall break plans, but the members present each
gave their personal best on the field.
Junior Debbie Wissel stepped up into the challenging, transitional position
of scrum half, which she hadn't played in over a year. Sophomore backs
Courtney Reilly and Maria Stevens excelled in several exciting runs, and
first year Leann Sterio completed the "good clown" penalty to
perfection, gaining almost 20 yards for the team.
"The difference between rookies and returning players is really
balancing out," Wissel said. "We've solidified and are determined
to continue our undefeated streak."
The Providence win was crucial, because it brought the women one step
closer to clenching a New England finals spot in November. In a few weeks,
the women will face rival Wellesley in a game that promises to be the
season's pivotal match.
The women play at home against the University of Rhode Island tomorrow.
Come out behind Farley at 11:00 a.m. with your folks and catch the Bears
do some damage.