LEWISTON, Maine - The Bowdoin College women's rugby team spoiled Homecoming Weekend for Bates on Sunday, blanking the Bobcats 20-0 for their first victory of the NERFU season. Bowdoin improved to 3-1 overall with the win.

Bowdoin's #9, Becky Stevens and the forward pack (#1 - #8) dominated play throughout the game on a damp afternoon perfect for rugby. After absorbing some pressure from Bates during the first 15 minutes, and giving up several penalties, Bowdoin turned up the pressure, bouncing back with good defense and solid tackles. Late in the half, Bowdoin pressured Bates into an error, resulting in a penalty call in front of the posts. Becky Stevens cleanly notched the 3-point penalty kick, giving Bowdoin the lead, 3-0.

The second half was nearly all Bowdoin, although Bates put up scrappy pressure throughout, playing a pick-and-go style that Bowdoin continued to defend well. Bowdoin scored three tries in the 2nd half, two by Stevens and one by Elsbeth Paige-Jeffers on a nice backline loop play. Stevens converted one of the three.

The entire forward pack played well. Leading the way on defense around the scrums and rucks were Dani McAvoy, Uche Esonu, and Nylea Bivins. Loryn Fridie, #4 had several solid tackles, clear outs, and carries with the ball. Controlling the backline attack and defense from fullback, senior captain and birthday girl, Hannah Larson '10, entered the line on several occasions, advancing the ball beyond the gain line with swift running and counterattacking.

Bowdoin plays at University of Maine - Orono next Saturday at 1:00pm before returning home to play Northeastern in Brunswick on Oct 10th.