Women's Rugby Football Club 2002october

By Ryan Yeung, Issue 11, Submitted 11/13/2002

Although they ended the season with two losses in the Northeastern Rugby Tournament, the women's rugby team has nothing to be ashamed about this season. Despite Amherst's size, the Jeffs showed this weekend that they deserve to play among the best in Division I. Indeed, the Jeffs finished the season ranked fourth in the Northeast out of 92 teams in Division I.

Amherst qualified for the tournament with a 5-0 win over rival Williams College. The Jeffs scored one try and the Ephs missed a penalty conversion kick in the Amherst win.

In the first round of Northeasterns, Amherst took on Cornell University. The 20-0 loss notwithstanding, the Jeffs played well overall but could not convert on scoring opportunities. "Outside center Jasmin Singleton ['06] made a few good runs that unfortunately did not result in a try, but gained considerable yardage," said Women's Rugby President Catherine Itaya '04. Hooker Rebecca Muse-Orlinoff '03 also played well in the loss. Muse-Orlinoff quickly joined rucks and mauls and contributed to several defensive drives.

Amherst went on to face Dartmouth College, which had just bowed out to Vassar, in the second round of the tournament. The Jeffs lost the game 27-0, but are still extremely proud of their performance.

"I would say that our loss to Dartmouth was the best game our team played," said backs captain Elizabeth Hawkins '03. "Three years ago we would have played Dartmouth and been blown out of the water, but this Sunday we were a force."

Julia Claggett '03 played well in the loss. Claggett chased defensive kicks in a strong wind and returned them with kicks herself. More often she ran the ball offensively to set up a clean ruck for her teammates to consolidate the possession.

"Kieran Collins ['03] also played a strong aggressive game-after removing her cast for a second time-by 'bagelin' off offensive mauls and stealing the ball from Dartmouth," added Itaya.

Hawkins and eightman Emily Kieter '03 also made major contributions to the Jeffs' high level of play. "Hawkins ran the ball in many offensive plays, managing to knock down and run through several Dartmouth players to gain ground," said Itaya.

The two losses ended Amherst's magical season but provided the Jeffs with the confidence and experience to remain national contenders next season.

"I am proud of the way we played this weekend," said Collins. "It was definitely a culminating point of our season, and we all left our hearts on the field ... Now that we have come this far, I know that we have the potential to be a national team, we just need to focus on getting even stronger for next year."