Middlebury vs. Tufts 10/5

Final Score, 5 – 29, Loss

We headed down to Tufts this weekend to play our 3rd NESCAC game of the season. Going into what we knew would be a hard game, we were looking to work on an aggressive defensive line, strong tackles and supporting our teammates.

It was a hard first half with great playing from both teams. The game felt evenly matched, but due to our lack of ability to cover the outside and playing down a player for much of the half, Tufts managed to score two tries by running down the outside line.

Despite being down a player, we fought hard and held off Tufts for much of the second half as well. They scored pretty early in the half, which we retaliated with our own try. After a great series of attack coming from both forwards and backs, we received a scrum within about 10 meters of our try line. 8-man Marissa “Pinky” Shaw (’14) took the ball off the scrum, went weak and popped it off to scrum half Sarah “Ricky Ricardo” Minahan (’14) who ran it in and touched it down for a try.

Shortly after this Tufts gained possession and got a quick run down the side line. Luckily full back Stevie “Drevie” Durocher (’15.5) was there to take her down and saved us from another try. Unfortunately, this cost Stevie a leg injury and we had to play out the rest of the second half with just 13 players. Despite this set back, we held Tufts off for most of the half, maintaining much of the possession and playing mostly in their half. In the last few minutes they finally broke through our defensive line for 2 more tries for a final score of 29 – 5.

Shout out to full back Tiff “2 Changz” Chang (’17) for her hard work, great runs and tackles. Amazing hits and runs by fly half Kyra “R-e-s-p-e-c-t” Grey (’17) and inside center Emily Duh (’14). Great rucking from lock Molly “Janis Ian” Benedetto (’14) and prop Katie “AARP” Linder (’15).

It was a hard loss, but we played our hearts out and left everything on the field. It was a truly impressive game, and personally I’ve never been so proud of my team.

Thanks to our family, friends and alums who made it to the game; Jess Berry (’13), Hannah Elkin (’13), Evan Pagano (’12), Melissa Hayes (’12), and Logan Gallogaly (’12) all made it out and it was great to see them and have their support!

Next week we play Colby at home for parents weekend! 10:00am at the rugby pitch, see you there!

 

First Half
Tufts – 5
Tufts – 5, 2

Second Half
Tufts – 5
Sarah Minahan – 5
Tufts – 5, 2
Tufts – 5

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