Boston University Second-Half Rally Sinks Bowdoin

BRUNSWICK, Maine - The Bowdoin College women's rugby team faltered in the second half as the Boston University Terriers rallied for a 22-10 win on Saturday, April 10. The Polar Bears will continue their spring non-league season on Thursday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. against the Portland U-19 squad.

The Polar Bears played fairly well throughout the first half, building a 10-5 lead.  Defensive pressure by the Bowdoin forward pack and backline caused multiple mistakes by the Terriers, leading to turnover ball for Bowdoin.  Hard running by Nylea Bivins, Loryn Fridie, and Elsbeth Paige-Jeffers was the key to large territory gains and two tries.  Paige-Jeffers and Fridie each scored an unconverted try.    The backrow (#6, #7, #8) combination of Vanessa Rendon- Vasquez, Allie Dupont and DJ Darden gave the Polar Bears aggressive tackling throughout the match. Bowdoin spoiled several near-tries by BU with good defense and holding up the ball in the end zone.
 
During the second half, the B.U. forwards picked up the pace and improved their loose play, dominating possession and keeping the pressure on Bowdoin.  From a near score in the corner by Bowdoin, the Terriers ran multiple pick-and-go moves  and drove the entire length of the pitch to score a try, tying the match at 10-10.  The quick turnaround in possession found Bowdoin's defense on its heels and unable to regroup.  

Multiple substitutions during the second half allowed newcomers Andrea Koenigsburg, Lauren Day-Smith and Zara Bowden to get their first playing minutes of rugby and each acquitted themselves very well, given their new-player status.  Bowdoin's halfbacks and center Amanda Ray made a few quick breaks but were unable to link up due to lack of close support.  The terriers mounted two more scoring drives in the final 20 minutes, converting one, for a final score of 22-10.

Photos courtesy of Brian Beard and Creative Images Photography.