News

Spring 2013


Saturday, April 27th: Dartmouth 17, North Shore Women 10  and Dartmouth 12, North Shore 5


The DWRC travelled north on Saturday for a developmental rugby round robin with Norwich University and DIII Women’s Club “North Shore”.

 

1st “Half” DWRC vs. North Shore Women   17-10


Coming out of a week of mid-term exams coupled with a politically tumultuous week on campus, and playing without several key starters in the forwards, the Big Green struggled to focus on the task at hand in the opening minutes of the North Shore match. Play went back and forth in the middle of the pitch until Dartmouth began committing penalties at the tackle. North Shore spun the ball wide from a penalty at the 7 minute mark to put the first 5 points on the board.


The DWRC finally settled into solid offensive rucking and better tackling against the much bigger club team and started playing on the right side of the 50 meter line, but another series of penalties allowed North Shore to go back on the attack, and a penalty try ensued, bringing the score to 0-10.

 

Captain-elect Pallavi Kuppa-Apte ’14’s stern try-zone lecture seemed to help clear the cobwebs, and the DWRC came alive after their next kick-off. Once again speedy and powerful props Yejadai Dunn ’16 and Jovalee Thompson ’14 sparked the team with fiery runs up the middle, and Dunn broke through for the first DWRC try of the day. SK “Hedgehog” Amaro ’13, impressive all season at #13, broke through shortly thereafter for DWRC try #2. Karoline Walter “13 also continued her equally impressive “at posts” stats, converting both tries. Fullback Diana Wise ‘15 touched down the final (unconverted) try of the period after a great DWRC attack from a deep penalty with no time left to ice the Big Green Cake for a 19-10 win.

 

Once again the DWRC showed patience and real teamwork as they adjusted their game to a big, aggressive, but less-skilled side. Considering the DWRC was playing without three starters in the pack, it was particular rewarding that Dartmouth was able to dominate scrums.

 

Wing Becky Marder ’15 and fullback Diana Wise ’15 played a great match for Dartmouth, as did previously mentioned prop Jovalee Thompson ’14. Second Row Allison Brouckman ’14 and hooker Emma Vance ’13 were instrumental in turning around the Big Green’s rucking.

 

2nd Half Dartmouth 12 Norwich Mixed Side 5

 

Next up for the Big Green was the very physical Norwich mixed side. Norwich is heading to the DI National Final Four this weekend, and they were putting the finishing touches on their game plans for the “Big Show”.

 

Once again Dartmouth allowed the opposition the first try at 7 minutes, as Norwich’s big #4 powered through several would-be tacklers for the touch down. But that would be it for the hungry Norwich offense, as the Big Green hunkered down with some fantastic mid-field, full-team defense and turned the tide for good. Both teams worked hard without results until the 24 minute mark, when #15 Diana Wise finished a brilliant full-team effort from a scrum, and #12 Karoline Walter converted, to put the Big Green up by 2. Dartmouth sealed the deal with a try out wide as the clock ran out. Final score was 12-5.


Saturday, April 20th: Beantown B's 24, Dartmouth 14


The DWRC had the honor of hosting a game between Beantown, a U.S. Premier League club team, and the Quebec Caribou, a Montreal-based Quebec Territorial Representative team, this weekend.  Dartmouth played Beantown B’s for the first game of the day.

The week prior to the match, the DWRC worked on different strategies to defend against Beantown’s forward strength including launching on defense and protecting the ball in contact.  Both teams came out hard in the first half with Beantown playing multiple phases in the forwards, testing Dartmouth’s new skills.  At the 9-minute mark, Beantown’s wing got a break on the outside and sped past the Dartmouth defense for the first try of the game.  Beantown’s poaching skills and strength around the rucks made it difficult for Dartmouth to get many successful offensive phases in a row.  Beantown had one more try before the half.
At the start of the second half, Beantown muscled in a third try.  Beantown subbed in one of their A-side players at wing and she swiftly put a fourth try on the board. Not too long after, Dartmouth’s Yejadai Dunn ’16 was sent off the field with a yellow card leaving the DWRC with only 14 players.  Dartmouth did not let this set back affect them however.  A huge tackle-breaking run by prop Jovalee Thompson ’14 put Beantown on their heels.  After three well executed phases and impressive offensive rucking, lock Michaela Conway ’15 used her speed to run in for a try.  A few minutes later, 8-man Mayowa Willoughby ‘14 plowed through six Beantown players in a 20 meter run after a big green lineout to score Dartmouth’s second try. Kicker Karoline Walter ’13 successfully converted the try.  The DWRC hit their momentum a little too late however, as the game ended before either team could put more points on the board.  The final score was 24-14.
Tries: Michaela Conway ’15 (1), Mayowa Willoughby ’14 (1)

Conversions: Karoline Walter ‘13 (2)


In the afternoon, skilled players from both Beantown and Quebec took the field as the wind picked up for the exhibition match.  Quebec kept it close in the first third of the game however Beantown pulled away in the last third of the game with a few back-to-back tries.  Beantown defeated the Caribou 30-15.

After both games had ended, the Deevy Room came alive after the exhibition match as 100 hungry ruggers, coaches, and fans lined up for the DWRC's famous crockpot dinner.  It was a pleasure to host and play such high caliber teams!


Saturday, April 13: Dartmouth 40, Middlebury 5

 

Although both teams are young and physically small, Dartmouth’s impressive scrums, rucking, and hard offensive running proved too much for the panthers in their annual spring “friendly” on Brophy Field this past weekend. It was a grudge match of sorts for Dartmouth, whose final-minute loss to Middlebury in the spring of 2012 capped a lackluster performance. This time The Big Green did not disappoint.

 

All but 10 minutes of the 80 minute match were played in Middlebury’s half of the pitch, and although the Panthers played courageous defense with aggressive and effective tackling, the side in control of the game was never in doubt.   Power center SK “Hedgehog” Amaro ’13 started and ended the DWRC try tally, first with a break through the middle at the Middlebury 22, and then in the final minutes of the match with a touch down following integrated phase play.

 

Leandra Barrett ’15, usually a flanker or center, showed her adaptability as she made her debut at #8.   Her high work rate around the pitch earned her four tries on the day. Two of those tries were quick tap penalties, one was a #8 pickup from the back of a scrum which the DWRC pack wheeled and then won against the head, and one was a brilliant support play in front of the posts after a 75 meter Amaro breakaway and pass off the ground at the tackle.

 

Kicker Karoline Walter ’13 had a great showing, with 5 of 6 conversions for another 10 points.

 

Emma Vance ’13 was outstanding on defense at #6, and filled in beautifully at #9 when Sandi Caalim ’13 had to leave the field.

 

The DWRC’s offense was organized and integrated, with two forwards out in the line most of the match. Second Row Michaela Conway ’15 was instrumental in the integration plan, filling in at first receiver to create overloads. First-years Tatjana Toeldte at #10 and Yejadai Dunn at #1 added to their impressive first-side resumes, while other ‘16’s, including prop Sky Roehl, wing Kerry Ann Conlin, and wing Kelsey Sipple saw substantial playing time and performed admirably.

 

Middlebury continued to improve and fight throughout the match, and generated some nice phase play in the middle of the second half, resulting in their lone try.

 

Everyone enjoyed the post-game burrito bar and comraderie in the Deevy Room following the well-played match.



Saturday, April 6: Dartmouth A wins Scott Milley Memorial 7s Tournament


The Big Green took a week's hiatus from an intense spring 15's schedule and entered two teams into  UNH's Scott Milly Memorial 7's Tournament.  The DWRC's excellent fitness and handling skills became more evident as the day progressed.  The A's dominated their pool even as they shook out the 15s cobwebs and shifted to 7s principals, while the B's made signficant improvement in every match as they implemented recently-learned 7s concepts for the first time and placed 3rd in the tournament. 

High winds and temperatures in the low 40's made for challenging conditions, and two teams left the tournament early, cutting short the number of expected matches for both teams.  The DWRC was hampered early in the first match of the day as new captain Ally Murray '14 left the pitch with an ankle injury, but the Big Green refused to let anything get in the way of their mission- to go home with some hardware.  

UNH A's proved their mettle in the Finals, leading Dartmouth at half with a 12-10 score.   Dartmouth opened the second half with great teamwork and ball movement which allowed Michaela Conway '15 to score a beautiful try under the posts.  Conway converted her own try to bring the score to 17-12 Dartmouth.  UNH came back hard, though, and mid-way through the second half charged through the tough Dartmouth defense to get an unconverted try and tie the match at 17-17.   The waning minutes of the game saw Dartmouth pressing up the pitch, working with patience and keeping the ball in play, until finally 3rd receiver Pallavi Kuppa-Apte '15 touched the ball down in the 14th minute for the last score of the match and the Championship.  

The Dartmouth B's Final Match against the UNH B's showcased the speed of first-year winger Kerry Ann Conlin, who came away with a hat trick,  and the skill of first-time kicker Becky Marder '15 (3 for 4 in the match). It was also an exhibition of the great teamwork, intelligence, and evolution that was the hallmark of the B side's undefeated fall 15 season and is an indication of great things to come.  

DARTMOUTH A's
First Match:
UNH B's 55-0
Tries:  Yejadai Dunn '16 (2); Pallavi Kuppa-Apte '14 (2); SK Amaro '13 (2); Sandi Caalim '13 (2). Conversions: Karoline Walter '13 (2); Michaela Conway '15 (2)

Second Match:
Castleton State 43-5
Tries:  Michaela Conway '15 (1); Pallavi Kuppa-Apte '14 (3); Mayowa Willoughby '14 (3).  Conversions: Karoline Walter '13 (2); Michaela Conway (2)

Third Match:
UNH A's 22-17
Tries:  SK Amaro '13 (1); Pallavi Kuppa-Apte '14 (2); Michaela Conway '15 (1).  Conversions: Michaela Conway (1)

DARTMOUTH B's
First Match:
UNH A's  10-25
Tries:  Charlotte Knott '15 (1); Kerry Ann Conlin '16 (1)

Second Match:
Colby Sawyer 27-5
Tries:  Charlotte Knott  '15 (2); Kerry Ann Conlin '16 (2); Becky Marder '15 (1).  Conversions:  Becky Marder (1)

Third Match
UNH B's  26-0
Tries:  Kerry Ann Conlin '16 (3); Leandra Barrett '15 (1).  Conversions:  Becky Marder '15 (3)


Monday, March 18: Dartmouth 0, Nanaimo Women 22


Saturday, March 16: Dartmouth 29, University of Washington 0


Thursday, March 14 - Saturday, March 23, 2013: Spring Tour

The DWRC is going on Spring Tour to the Pacific Northwest.  We will be traveling around Seattle and Vancouver, and will be playing against three great teams.  If you're in the area, come see us play!

    

      March 16th: Match against the University of Washington

      March 18th: Match against the Nanaimo Women

      March 21st: Match against the University of Victoria

                 Winter 2013 


February 9, 2013: Winter Carnival

The Dartmouth Women's Rugby Club took advantage of the snowstorm during Winter Carnival, and played "snugby" on the Green.


February 2, 2013: Special Olympics

The team volunteered at the Special Olympics at the Dartmouth Skiway.  Players were gate judges of the alpine event and team ambassadors at the snowshoe races.  Congrats to all the Special Olypmics Athletes!

Fall 2012 


Saturday November 3, 2012: Dartmouth 29, Cornell 5

The Big Green started off the fall season with strong wins against several opponents, but struggled to develop offense against the tough defensive teams in the top tier of the Ivy Rugby Conference. In the two weeks prior to this critical challenge match with Cornell (winner of the second-tier division) they focused on offensive patterns and re-evaluated set piece play, and proved that they clearly deserved their Top Division spot as they worked their way to a first half 29-0 on a cold but clear day.


Dartmouth's offense came roaring alive after a turnover ball led to a 60-meter sprint into the try zone by winger Diana Wise '15 at the 10 minute mark.  Strong vertical attacks by Dartmouth’s pack effectively collapsed Cornell’s defense and resulted in several tries for Dartmouth. Mayowa Willoughby ’14 broke through several defenders on a #8 pickup to bring the DWRC within 15 meters of the try zone. The back line sent the ball out wide for fullback Matt Sturm ’13 to beat the remaining opposition around the outside and race into the try zone for Dartmouth’s second try.


Dartmouth’s third try was the result of a recently-installed offensive series off a set scrum center that showcased the kind of team integration the DWRC has been working towards all season. Attacks by both backs and forwards up the right side of the scrum concentrated Cornell’s defense to one side of the field. #10 Karoline Walter ’13 looped in the centers to deliver the ball to Pallavi Kuppa-Apte ’14, who negotiated the remaining defenders to touch down a try.


The DWRC continued to attack out wide, which created space for center Sabrina Amaro ’13 to crash through Cornell’s defense with her hard running to touch the ball down between the posts. Dartmouth’s final try was the result of another #8 pickup by the unstoppable Willoughby, who charged all the way to the try zone from the DWRC’s defense 45-meter line.

The second half of the match, however, belonged to Cornell, as they proved why they were the top finishers in the second tier, and why they had lost to first-place Brown in a cross-divisional game by only a try. They began out-rucking Dartmouth and for much of the second half Dartmouth was unable to complete multiple phases of offense. Numerous penalties on the DWRC resulted in Cornell putting two tries on the board early enough in the half to make the game interesting. Dartmouth held on to its lead but did not capitalize on several opportunities in the green zone and had to settle for a scoreless half and lukewarm win against a spirited and aggressive second-half team.

 

Tries: Diana Wise '15 (1), Matt Sturm '13 (1), Pallavi Kuppa-Apte '14 (1), Sabrina Amaro '13 (1), Mayowa Willoughby '14 (1)

Conversions: Karoline Walter (2)

 

Saturday October 20, 2012: Princeton 30, Dartmouth 5

Dartmouth came into this weekend’s match looking to use a strong offense to generate scoring opportunities but instead the Big Green found itself playing much of the match in its own defensive zone. The DWRC struggled to retain possession on offense due to a lack of support in offensive rucks and trouble in its set pieces, especially its offensive line-outs. Though Dartmouth wanted to capitalize on offensive opportunities out wide and in the back line, it could not maintain possession for long enough to collapse the opponent’s defense and work the ball out to its wings.


Dartmouth greatly improved its mauling since its last match, demonstrating greater driving capacity and organization. Mayowa Willoughby ’14 scored a try for the DWRC in the first half by rolling off a maul that was driven by the pack into the try zone. The Big Green could not produce more scoring opportunities and were held scoreless in the second half to end the match with a 5-30 score.

 

Tries: Mayowa Willoughby '14 (1)

 

Saturday October 13, 2012: Harvard 39, Dartmouth 5

The DWRC came into this weekend’s match against Harvard with optimism but failed to shut down Harvard’s offense, resulting in a 5-39 score.  Two early tries by an aggressive Harvard side at the beginning of the first half set Dartmouth on its heels. The Big Green answered with several vertical attacks before sending the ball to its backline and a well-timed pass by Karoline Walter ’13 resulted in a try by Sabrina Amaro ’13. Well-placed kicks into touch by Michaela Conway ’15 on numerous penalties committed by Harvard gained territory for the Big Green, but Harvard’s low and aggressive rucking minimized the DWRC’s offensive opportunities while missed tackles by the DWRC allowed breaks for Harvard’s runners. 


In the second half, the Big Green came out with a stronger pattern of play, focusing on vertical attacks that were led by #8 Mayowa Willoughby ’14 and flanker Taylor Johnson ’14. Dartmouth’s pack demonstrated strength in the scrums and improved its rucking form throughout the match. Though the DWRC knocked on Harvard’s try-line several times in the second half, Dartmouth struggled to maintain possession and execute a final scoring phase of offense, remaining scoreless in the second half.

 

Tries: Sabrina Amaro '13 (1)

 

Saturday October 6, 2012: Dartmouth 34, Yale 10

The DWRC faced Yale on Saturday in the Big Green’s last home game of the season, defeating the Bulldogs 34-10. Yale arrived at Dartmouth ready to play, opening the match with forceful rucks and tackles that challenged the DWRC forwards. Captains Karoline Walter ’13 and Emma Vance ’13 led the Dartmouth defense with their strong tackling game. However, failing to adjust an aggressive defense to the referee’s satisfaction, the Big Green faced numerous penalties as Yale was marched down the pitch repeatedly on the referee’s whistle. Once the Dartmouth forwards provided more offensive opportunities for their backs, Yale’s defense could not answer the DWRC’s more experienced and explosive back-line runners. Well-timed execution in offense and offloads to strikers led to big breaks that put points on the board for the Big Green. Outside center Sabrina Amaro ’13 was an offensive asset, putting up one try in each half and assisting in several offensive opportunities that resulted in tries. Eight-man Mayowa Willoughby ’14 led the Big Green’s vertical attack, coming alive in the second half with big runs from the back of the scrum. Maggie Conners ’13 came off the injured reserve list for the last ten minutes of the match to flyhalf in her season debut, energizing the backline with dynamic running and setting up the Big Green’s final try. The match ended with an identical score in each half of 17-5, bringing the final score to 34-10 for Dartmouth.

 

Tries: Sabrina Amaro '13 (2), Leandra Barrett '15 (1), Matt Sturm '13 (2), Diana Wise '15 (1), Conversions: Karoline Walter '13 (2)

 

Saturday September 29, 2012: Brown 10, Dartmouth 0

In its first away game of the season, the DWRC faced off against Brown on a muddy and slippery pitch. Dartmouth used a kicking game to gain territory in the first half but struggled to maintain possession in the face of Brown’s aggression. Brown’s dominance in the rucks limited the DWRC’s offensive opportunities. Though Dartmouth’s defense prevented Brown’s strong runners from scoring on breakthroughs and succeeded in holding up two tries in the first half, Brown was able to drive in two tries to bring the score to 0-10.


Although one yellow card in each half left Dartmouth a player down for much of the game, the DWRC’s strong and sustained defensive playing held Brown at bay and resulted in a scoreless second half. Numerous and impressive tackles by flyhalf Karoline Walter ’13 around the rucks were a tremendous asset to Dartmouth’s defense.


Dartmouth sought to take its intensity and aggression up a few notches in the second half but could not find a way to fully capitalize on offensive opportunities. Though breakthroughs and attempted offloads in the centers showed promise, Dartmouth failed to get the ball all the way out to the wings due to Brown’s aggressive defense and sloppy weather conditions that made for a slippery ball.

 

Dartmouth continues its winning streak with its first Ivy League match

Saturday September 22, 2012: Dartmouth 69, Columbia 0 

The DWRC remained undefeated this weekend with a 69-0 victory over Columbia University. Continuing its efforts towards team integration, Dartmouth developed a dynamic offensive game that resulted in many tries, especially out wide. The Lions proved to be aggressive and strong in the rucks, regaining possession in rucks, especially in the first half. Strong runs and offloads by forwards Taylor Johnson ’14 and Amanda Spoto ’14 created many offensive opportunities for the back line. Wing Diana Wise ’15 capitalized on these offensive opportunities, playing an exceptional scoring game and putting six tries on the board.

 

Tries: Taylor Johnson ’14 (1), Becky Marder ’15 (1), Diana Wise ’15 (6), Leandra Barrett ’15 (1), Michaela Conway ’15 (1), Dani Valdes ’13 (1)

Conversions: Michaela Conway ’15 (7)

 

Dartmouth’s freshmen put up a 71-0 score against Columbia’s B-side in their very first game. The DWRC’s newest players showed speed and aggression and the team is very excited to watch their progress!

 

Tries: Becky Marder ’15 (1), Yejadai Dunn ’16 (4), Anna Miller ’16 (2), Kerry Anne Conlin ’16 (4)

Conversions: Tatjana Toeldte ’16 (8)

 

Saturday September 15, 2012: Dartmouth 33, Syracuse 7

In their first full-length game of the season, the DWRC finished strongly against Syracuse University. The DWRC had to battle back from numerous offside penalties and a resulting sin bin that left them a player down for some time. However, a dynamic offense that integrated Dartmouth’s forwards and backs finished the half with Dartmouth in the lead, 14-0. Syracuse came back forcefully against a tired Dartmouth side, driving in a try at the outset of the second half. However, impressive tackles by flanker Dani Valdes ’13 energized the Dartmouth defense and set up a try by Leandra Barrett ’15. Impressive runs by Taylor Johnson '14 and powerful tackles by Kaila Cauthorn '15 further boosted the team's energy as Dartmouth rallied from a slow start to the second half. The DWRC was able to contain the Syracuse offense around the rucks and implemented varied offensive plays that resulted in two more tries in the second half to end the game 33-7.

 

Tries: Diana Wise ’15 (2), Jovalee Thompson ’14 (1), Leandra Barrett ’15 (1), Allie Brouckman ’15 (1) 

Conversions: Karoline Walter ’13 (4)


The DWRC opens season with Granite Challenge Cup win

Sunday September 9, 2012 

In their first matches of the season, the DWRC went up against the University of New Hampshire and University of Vermont in the 2012 Granite Challenge Cup. Dartmouth topped UNH 36-5 in the first match with a strong offensive back line and a dominating forward pack. Seniors Karoline Walter ’13, Matt Sturm ’13, and Sandi Caalim ’13 fired up the DWRC with three first-half tries. UNH answered with their own try, scored on the outside by strong runners and well-timed offloads. In the second half, strong passing connections and good support in the back line set up a beautiful long run and try by #14 Diana Wise ’15. #5 Michaela Conway ’15 finished the match with the DWRC’s last try.

 

In their second match, the DWRC put up another win, topping UVM 48-0. Once again, integration between forwards and backs led to strong support and team tries were scored by a variety of the DWRC’s players. The forward pack executed a great running game that provided many offensive options and the backline continued to develop its strong passing connections. Ball carriers’ commitment to protecting the ball in contact helped the DWRC create platforms for successful offensive attacks.

 

Dartmouth 36 – UNH 5

Tries: Karoline Walter ’13  (1), Matt Sturm ’13 (1), Sandi Caalim ’13 (1), Diana Wise ’15 (1), Michaela Conway ’15 (1) 

Conversions: Karoline Walter ’13 (2), Michaela Conway ’15 (2), Penalty Kicks: Karoline Walter ’13 (1)

 

Dartmouth 48 – UVM 0

Tries: Diana Wise ’15 (2), Karoline Walter ’13 (1), Emma Vance ’13 (1), Leandra Barrett ’15 (1), Matt Sturm ’13 (1), Mayowa Willougby ’14 (1), Becky Marder ’15 (1)

Conversions: Karoline Walter (4)