Harvard scored their first try quickly in the first half, followed by a second try shortly before halftime. The rugby team got revved up during the break and came back to score a try of their own midway through the second half. Kieran Collins '03 scored the team's first try of the season off of a ruck just outside the try line. In spite of Amherst's newfound energy, Harvard scored an unlucky third try at the end of the second half. Jeanne O'Neil '01 said that despite loss, "It was a good first game, especially considering the fact that many were playing together for the first time."
Anna Savage '04, the Backs captain for B side, added another try to her resume, scoring with a sprint down nearly the entire length of the field.
Although they practiced consistently in the cage prior to spring break, the weather did not permit the team to practice outside until last week, giving the women just days to ready themselves for Harvard. Practices outside were centered more on tackling, rucking and mauling than on game strategy per se.
Forwards Captain Marina Reti '01 noted that the rookies looked very good, especially taking into account the fact that they had not even scrimmaged prior to Saturday's game. In the B side game President Sheila Graham '03 noted the high level of play maintained by the rookies despite their lack of game experience, pointing specifically to Ana Yarawamai '04, who made her debut on Saturday.
After this weekend's game against Harvard, the team only needs to work on developing a more powerful cohesive unit. Reti is optimistic about the team's game this weekend against Boston University.
With another thorough week of outdoor practice concentrating on game strategy and situational play, the team should be in great shape to dominate against BU.