Vassar 26, Columbia 0

Sunday October 20, 2002
Vassar College Women 26 v Columbia University Women 0
Tries: Valerie Griffeth (2), Dana Wasserman (1), & Penalty Try (1)
Cons: Valerie Griffeth (3).

Columbia entered this game undefeated and have always provided stiff opposition for Vassar. The Columbia forwards are a very physical pack and they set about their task with real grit and determination. But there is an edge to the Vassar forwards as well and they responded well. The Vassar scrummaging was solid and the rucking improved more and more as the game went on. A week without practice meant that there was some rust but a very focused effort from all earned the good win.

The first try came from a quick tapped penalty and Val Griffeth found herself in oceans of space running in untouched to the corner. Then Julie Half looked to have scored on another tapped penalty only a few feet from the line but the referee awarded a penalty try for a high tackle on number 8 Vanessa Morris. Vassar were camped on the Columbia line and this was just reward for their repeated pounding. The successful conversion made it 12-0 at the half.

The second period looked like it might be tough as Columbia now had the slight slope and the setting sun was behind them. But Vassar rucked with vigor and aggression denying them the ball. Some good running off the fringes and then tidy ball to Julie Half launched the backline and they put it through the hands for Val Griffeth to go over. Vassar was now 19 points ahead and despite a late rally from the big city school it was Vassar who had the last say as Dana Wasserman was credited with a try although Vanessa Morris had already scored it!

Special mention must be made of the 2 freshman centers, Sarah Griffin and Jess Johnson, who went up against Columbia's best and did Vassar proud. They both had darting strong runs, caught all the passes thrown their way, and kept their heads in contact situations. Their efforts were a reflection of the whole team.

Team: 15 Valerie Griffeth 14 Dana Wasserman 13 Jess Johnson 12 Sarah Griffin 11 Jasmine Harris 10 Sarah Turbett 9 Julie Half 1 Jess Fyles 2 Becca Kirlin 3 Nora Weiss 4 Amy Rubin 5 Sari Warren 6 Killian Dykes 7 Amber Hawkes 8 Vanessa Morris Subs: Nadia Brittingham for Jasmine Harris



	Columbia as tough as ever in the Bronx Sunday October 20, 2002 Vassar College Women 26 v Columbia University Women 0 Tries: Valerie Griffeth (2), Dana Wasserman (1), & Penalty Try (1) Cons: Valerie Griffeth (3). Columbia entered this game undefeated and have always provided stiff opposition for Vassar. The Columbia forwards are a very physical pack and they set about their task with real grit and determination. But there is an edge to the Vassar forwards as well and they responded well. The Vassar scrummaging was solid and the rucking improved more and more as the game went on. A week without practice meant that there was some rust but a very focused effort from all earned the good win. The first try came from a quick tapped penalty and Val Griffeth found herself in oceans of space running in untouched to the corner. Then Julie Half looked to have scored on another tapped penalty only a few feet from the line but the referee awarded a penalty try for a high tackle on number 8 Vanessa Morris. Vassar were camped on the Columbia line and this was just reward for their repeated pounding. The successful conversion made it 12-0 at the half. The second period looked like it might be tough as Columbia now had the slight slope and the setting sun was behind them. But Vassar rucked with vigor and aggression denying them the ball. Some good running off the fringes and then tidy ball to Julie Half launched the backline and they put it through the hands for Val Griffeth to go over. Vassar was now 19 points ahead and despite a late rally from the big city school it was Vassar who had the last say as Dana Wasserman was credited with a try although Vanessa Morris had already scored it! Special mention must be made of the 2 freshman centers, Sarah Griffin and Jess Johnson, who went up against Columbia's best and did Vassar proud. They both had darting strong runs, caught all the passes thrown their way, and kept their heads in contact situations. Their efforts were a reflection of the whole team. Team: 15 Valerie Griffeth 14 Dana Wasserman 13 Jess Johnson 12 Sarah Griffin 11 Jasmine Harris 10 Sarah Turbett 9 Julie Half 1 Jess Fyles 2 Becca Kirlin 3 Nora Weiss 4 Amy Rubin 5 Sari Warren 6 Killian Dykes 7 Amber Hawkes 8 Vanessa Morris Subs: Nadia Brittingham for Jasmine Harris