ROCKVILLE CENTRE, N.Y. (Oct. 13, 2015) - In its first full season as a club sport under the umbrella of the Molloy College Department of Athletics, the Women's Rugby team has had an incredible amount of success, going 5-1 on the year and 5-0 in games contested against Tri-State Conference opponents.
Following a 54-35 season-opening defeat to Sacred Heart University on Sept. 5, the maroon and white strung together five straight victories in outscoring their opponents by a 250-22 margin. Their wins included a 55-7 throttling of Fordham at Cedar Creek Park on Sept. 20 and a 64-5 dismantling of Montclair State Sunday (Oct. 11) in front of a wild Homecoming crowd at Mitchel Field. Head Coach
Joe Buscarino recapped Sunday's victory thusly:
"On a beautiful weekend for rugby on Long Island, the Molloy College Women's Rugby Football Club played Montclair State to attempt to finish their regular season a perfect 5-0; the ladies from Long Island did not disappoint.
"In front of a raucous homecoming crowd at Mitchel Field, the ladies took the field in front of family, friends, and the student body. From the beginning, the audience was in for a good show. Starting early, Molloy scored four tries in the first 20 minutes of the game. While the back line took time to warm-up, the forwards repeatedly gained meters in the first several phases of Molloy's possession throughout the half. The backs came to life after the 25 minute, and put up another 3 tries before the half was over, much to the delight of everyone in attendance.
"The second half was much of the same for the Lady Lions; several new players took the field for Molloy who saw their most substantial game minutes of the season. They did the home crowd and alumni in attendance proud as they continued to support each other in open play, and during breakdowns. While the second half saw an increase of scrum downs, Molloy energy never waned. Molloy was able to power through most of the half by playing secure rugby with ball in hand, and by playing a stifling defense, with the entire back line securing tackles through out the entire half. After a mix of outstanding individual efforts, and equally supportive team play, Molloy completed their perfect regular season at 5-0."
A combination of spectacular offense and stingy defense has been the key so far for the Lions, who will host a Wildcard Round play-off game this coming Sunday (Oct. 18) against Fairfield University. Be sure to check back with www.MolloyLions.com for more information, including game times and locations as the Molloy College women's rugby team attempts to tackle the Tri-State Conference Championship and advance to the USA Rugby/ACRA Fall Championship!
Â
