October 6, 2012 Middlebury vs. Tufts

Final Score 33 – 0, win

Having been uprooted from our home turf, we made our way to the drier Rutland field for a 1:00 kick off. After a frustrating loss to Tufts last year, we were determined to come out hard against them this season.  And with the support of our fans, parents, and injured players, along with our dedication to playing our hardest, we were able to meet this goal.

We started off the game with a kick off to Tufts. From the beginning, we came up hard and in a defensive line, not allowing the Tufts’ offense to progress forward. Although neither team scored for the first 20 minutes or so, both teams fought hard, with the majority of play in the Tufts’ defensive half. After a series of strong attacks got us close to the try line, scrum half Jess Berry (’13) took the ball off a ruck, faked a switch, and dove into the try zone.

We had another opportunity to score from a series of quick passes from both forwards and backs, in which flanker Katy Svec (’15) had a great run followed by a nice pass out to Stevie “the wonder” Durocher (’15.5). Stevie found the space and ran hard—almost scoring a try if it had not been for the questionable blow of a whistle, just before she touched it down. We continued to play the rest of the half close to our try line, but were held off from scoring by the Tufts’ defense.

We went out into the second half reorganized and ready to run from depth and make more controlled attacks. Our next try came from wing Mel Haas (’13). Although we had knocked the ball out, we were able to regain possession in the lineout, and got the ball all the way out to the wing. Mel ran around their defense and into the try zone, then made a final sprint to place the ball under the uprights. Jess Berry made the kick.

At one point during the half, Tufts’ inside center managed to break through our defensive line. Luckily, full back Julianna Gardner (’13) was there to make a great tackle just before the try line and prevent her from scoring.

We continued to dominate play, maintaining possession and playing in the Tufts’ defensive half. A punch by hooker Rae Colombo (’13) got the ball almost into the try zone. Lock Ali Hentges (’15) was there in support to pick the ball up and dive into the try zone, scoring her first try ever!! Jess Berry made the kick.

Another quick ball out from the backs got the ball into the hands of Julianna Gardner, who went speeding down the sideline and into the try zone for our 4th try of the game. Although the ball was placed far to the outside, Jess Berry made the kick!

In the last few minutes of the game, Tufts was awarded a line out close to their defensive try zone. They decided to go for a drive, but lock Hannah Elkin (’13) managed to strip the ball and get it back to flanker Sarah “Mini” Minahan (’14). Mini then passed the ball to Rae Colombo, who got it to outside center Emily Duh (’14). Duh ran the ball straight under the uprights and into the try zone for our 5th and final try of the game. Jess Berry made the kick.

Other memorable plays: fake out and skip pass by fly half Julia Gulka (’13), incredible rucking by prop Katie Linder (’15), and solid runs from prop Kim Banford (’15) and lock Marissa Shaw (’14).

We then enjoyed pizza and snacks with the Tufts team after the game. Thank you so much to the parents who helped provide food and who came to support us despite the rain!

First half
Jess Berry – 5
 
Second half
Melanie Haas – 5 (Berry – 2)
Ali Hentges– 5 
(Berry – 2)
Julianna Gardner – 5 (Berry – 2)
Emily Duh – 5
 (Berry – 2)

 

 

 

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