Photos: Sean Cobb
Bloomsburg vs. Kutztown is typically a highlight within the Division II Mid-Atlantic Rugby Conference (MARC), and this match-up has replayed itself in several league championships. Recently, Bloomsburg has advanced deeper into playoffs, and the Huskies built an aggressive non-conference schedule this fall to further that pursuit. Last Saturday, however, Kutztown reminded the league that it, too, has the goods to go far and emphasized that point with a conference win over Bloomsburg.
RELATED: Women’s Rugby Scores: Sept. 29-Oct.1 • MARC Standings • 2016 DII Fall College Championships
“This was a fantastic match and honestly the type of match that more teams need to play more often,” Kutztown coach Sean Cobb enthused. “Bloomsburg came in with a game plan and executed it very well. The Huskies are a really physical team that challenged us at every point of contact and in every breakdown. Bloomsburg pressed our defense throughout the match and the team really had to step up in order to meet the challenge.”
Five minutes into the match, Kutztown pushed the ball wide and outside center Nikki Dudkewic stepped her defender for the try. Dudkewic converted her own score, and that two-pointer was the difference on the scoreboard.
Bloomsburg then launched into action and the subsequent 15 minutes belonged to the Huskies. Megan Reilly scored two of her three tries on the day during that period, 10-7 to Bloomsburg.
During the final 10 minutes of the half, Kutztown was able work its attack better, which resulted in two tries from wing Jenelle Fuller. Kutztown led 17-10 at the break.
“Offensively we were able to play our system and stretch the field,” Cobb explained. “It was a windy day so we had to tighten up a little more than we would have liked, but everyone adjusted properly and managed to play wide ball and open up the space.”
The teams returned to the pitch with adjustments in hand and did well to stifle each other. After approximately 10 minutes, Bloomsburg earned a five-meter penalty, and Reilly quick-tapped through the defense for the try, 17-15 to Kutztown.
A few minutes later, Taya Jackson restored a more comfortable lead for Kutztown with a try (22-15), while Bloomsburg upped its pressure and eventually sent Sarah VanCise into the try zone, 22-20 to Kutztown.
Ten minutes remained in the match, but neither defense was willing to budge. Kutztown took home the 22-20 win.
“This was a nice win as it helps us move forward in our push for the MARC playoffs,” Cobb concluded. “However I am pretty sure this isn’t the last time we will see Bloomsburg this season.”
“For us, it was an important match to have at this point in the season. We are looking to get tested and learn, so we threw some of our freshmen right into the mix and started five of them,” Bloomsburg coach Kevin Castner reflected. “In the end, we left 4-5 scoring opportunities on the field. On top of our kicking game being off, we still had a chance to walk away with the win. This game was a great evaluation tool for us that provided so many teachable moments. We would definitely love another match with them this fall, as they are great at challenging you on the field the entire 80 minutes.”
MARC’s eight DII teams are divided into East and West pools, and the conference also manages a six-team NSCRO competition that will follow the small-school playoff system. League games continue through October, and then the conference final four will be held Nov. 4-5. The USA Rugby DII Fall Round of 32 follows, and the higher seed hosts that match. The fall regional playoffs occur Nov. 18-19 and four TBA locations, and then the fall final four will be contested Dec. 2-3 at a to-be-named location.
#Kutztown Bloomsburg #MARC