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Volume CXXXIII, Number 7 |
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Ruggers upset number two seed
LINDSAY MORRIS
STAFF WRITER
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| Rugger Jocelyn Foulke '05 rushes with the ball during a fall season practice. The women's rugby team unexpectedly won a berth to the playoffs and have been surprising teams with its impressive play. (Hans Law, Bowdoin Orient) |
In a major upset the number eight wildcard Bowdoin Women's Rugby Team beat the previously undefeated number two seeded Southern Connecticut State University 16-12. Bowdoin gained possession of the ball immediately and took an early lead when co-captain Rachel Jones '04 completed a penalty kick for three points. Capitalizing on a hole in the weak-side defense, Connecticut scored a try on an impressive run by its quick wing and also converted the kick. From that moment, Bowdoin kept a close mark on the wing, and tightened up the defense to alleviate any scoring opportunities for the other team. Before the end of the half, Courtney Reilly '04 scored for Bowdoin bringing the Bears to an eight-seven lead.
In the second half, Jones completed a second penalty kick for three points. Then forward co-captain Lauren Flinn '04 made her second try ever. Bowdoin had taken a substantial lead and continued to dominate the game, however, Connecticut scored again and gave Bowdoin an extremely tense final 15 minutes of the half. Determined to hold Connecticut, Coach Mary Beth Matthews credits the Bears' "refuse to lose" attitude for the tough fight to defend their try-zone and their victory.
Bowdoin left the field thrilled, but the win did not come as a surprise. The game was an even match-up despite the differences in ranking. Bowdoin has displayed incredible "tenacity and passion" that forward Coach Bob Matthews has recognized, particularly following a disappointing loss to Bates several weeks ago. With experienced leaders such as Whitney Alexander '04, Emily Angell '04, Lynnette Batt '04, Rachel Hedlund '04, and Reilly all giving their best performances, the ruggers have put together one of their best teams in years. Everyone has high hopes for the playoffs this weekend.
Bowdoin will face Plymouth State for a rematch this Saturday in the semifinals of the NERFU Division II Tournament at Plymouth State. This should be an excellent game as the Bears won with a score of 31-5 in their previous face-off with the Panthers. Bates will play Providence and the final game will be on Sunday.
Whatever the outcome of the semifinals this weekend, Bowdoin Women's Rugby has certainly had quite a successful season in its first year as a varsity sport. Matthews noted, "It just goes to show what a group of hard-working, committed athletes can do when they follow the game plan of pressure, position, and patience."
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