September 7, 2016
Dartmouth Women’s Rugby Edges American International College in Home Opener
Photo: Dartmouth Women’s Rugby
Doug Coil
Dartmouth Women’s Rugby began their season against American International College on Saturday with a 24-22 win at Brophy Field.
AIC fought to the end, but a last minute Dartmouth try prior to halftime and and an early second half try by Freshman Becca Jane Rosco proved to be the difference against an AIC , a team that finished third in the nation last season.
Dartmouth Head Coach Katie Dowty said “We intentionally tried to schedule the best teams in the nation and it was clear that the final result shows that we were up to the challenge today. We wanted a battle, and although I think we let up slightly at the end, it’s something we can learn from and improve upon moving forward.”
For the first 30 minutes both teams tried to gain an attacking edge before Dartmouth’s captain Ashley Zepeda scored the first try. The Yellowjackets answered back three minutes later to tie the score at 5-5 with both team’s failing to convert.
In the forty minute, Danielle Ramsay pierced the Yellowjacket defense for her first try of the season and Dartmouth took a 10-5 lead into halftime.
Freshman Becca Jane Rosco increased Dartmouth’s lead with a debut try in the 41st minute, as she picked the ball up at midfield and fended a defender before crossing the line. Kat Ramage then added the conversion for a 17-5 lead.
AIC maintained their composure and added the next two tries to cut Dartmouth’s lead to 17-15. Dartmouth then added a second try by Russo with ten minutes left and Ramage converted again to increase their lead to 24-15.
In the last minute, AIC added another try, which was converted, but it was a little too late to gain the win. Dartmouth earned their first win of the season 24-22 and will travel to West Point on Friday to face Army.
This lapse in concentration for AIC in allowing Dartmouth to score was upsetting to AIC Head Coach Peter Lang. He said “We were very disappointed in our performance in the first half and made some tactical adjustments but we started the second half poorly and conceded another try from the kick off.”
“That seemed to be the rally cry to kick the ‘Jackets into gear as they started to play some great rugby. They responded decisively, putting two tries back on the board to bring the game within 2 points (a converted try). Dartmouth was clearly tiring, especially up front, as the ‘Jackets forwards dominated physically and the back penetrated their gaps.”
Although tries were then scored by Dartmouth and then AIC, ultimately the 39-41th minute proved to be the difference in the match.
Lang added after the match that “The team was visibly distraught by the result but not disheartened. We know we are building towards great things and this was a valuable lesson in our journey. We are all excited and eager to show what we are capable of next week against defending national champions Quinnipiac.”
