Rosko (r) with fellow Dartmouth freshmen Eva Klein (l) and Isabel Boettcher. •
Dartmouth and American International College (AIC) did not ease into their National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) seasons. The pair traded scores during a physical, fast game, one that ended with a 24-22 win to Dartmouth. It was quite the introduction for several newcomers playing in their first-ever varsity college game, but the pressure saw certain players thrive.
The inaugural Canterbury Player of the Week is Dartmouth freshman BECCA JANE ROSKO, who started Saturday at flyhalf, later moved to fullback, and scored tries from both positions. The Summit Tigers (Colo.) product was a well known high school player, with accolades like the Junior Olympics and Girls High School All-Americans on her resume, and higher-level experiences like those helped her mental prep for game day.
“Going into the game I was pretty nervous, slightly unsure of how intense it would be, being my first collegiate game, but as soon as the whistle blew my nerves were gone and I was in game mode,” Rosko reflected. “I was confident that I would be able to rise up to the challenges as I’ve played in similar situations with older women, but I was still very nervous for actually being on the collegiate playing field for the first time.”
It took 30 minutes for the scoreboard to light up, and after 40 minutes, Dartmouth led 10-5.
“AIC is a very physical team when it comes to the breakdown and even open-field fends,” Rosko explained. “I feel like both sides put in full physical and mental effort in every move made during the game. There were moments of frustration, but my team channeled everything thrown at us to stay mentally turned on and determined to do our best. In the back line, being sandwiched between Frankie Sands and Kat Ramage helped me personally stay calm at my debut of flyhalf.”
Rosko also credited the forwards’ calm work in the set pieces, which set up good connections with the backs. The pack set up opportunities for the backs to turn up-field and into space, and Rosko herself scored two important second-half tries – one from flyhalf, the other from fullback.
“Becca Jane was electric in our home opener,” Dartmouth coach Katie Dowty lauded. “She wowed the crowd with two blistering breakaway tries – one with a massive fend to beat the fullback. But it’s her attitude and ability to move the ball at 10 that the team appreciates most.”
At flyhalf, Rosko filled the shoes of former captain Tatjana Toeldte (’16), and when the freshman moved to fullback – where she’s more comfortable – she filled in for injured captain Camille Johnson.
“Her ability to read the game and impressive turn of pace makes her a constant threat from both positions,” Dowty continued. “Flyhalf is new for her, but she’s determined and learning quickly. She’s a joy to work with – always smiling and laughing, balanced with a great work ethic. She promised she’d be like a stick of dynamite, and so far she’s delivered. Proud to have her playing for the Big Green!”
“The team’s performance was amazing and I couldn’t be more proud to be on this team,” Rosko enthused. “Our focus in practice really showed through and helped us stay composed during the match. We proved our physicality, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”
Rosko has proved her worth early on and will continue her varsity education alongside her Big Green teammates this weekend. Dartmouth will attempt to improve on its 1-0 NIRA record during a trip south to Army West Point this weekend. The Cadets dropped a 32-19 game to Norwich last Thursday.
ABOUT THE CANTERBURY PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Every week, The Rugby Breakdown will highlight a club, college or high school player who put in a standout performance during the week. At the end of the month, readers will vote on the 4-5 profiled players to name a Player of the Month, and Canterbury North America will send the award recipient a prize. In December, a Player of the Fall will also be voted upon and honored.
PlayeroftheWeek Dartmouth #BeccaJaneRosko