Columbia University Women's Rugby

Columbia ruggers earn All-Ivy distinction

mem2256 — Thu, 31 May 2012 21:09:42 +0000

Juliette Conte and Izzy Cerullo both earned Honorable Mention honors for the 2011-2012 Women’s All-Ivy League team. Selections for the team were made by the Ivy League Coaches based on player performance during the Fall 2011 season. This is a huge accomplishment for CUWRFC – congratulations, Juliette and Izzy!

CUWRFC succeeds in Fordham-Swarthmore Round Robin

mem2256 — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 23:37:20 +0000

On a picture-perfect day, CUWRFC arrived at Fordham University for a round-robin
tournament against Fordham and Swarthmore College. With only 20 minutes per half,
Columbia used the first second of the match to set a tone of aggression and intensity; upon
receiving the kickoff, outside center Bianca Rahill-Marier (SEAS ’12) found fullback Izzy
Cerullo (CC ’13) on the outside for the first try of the match, who successfully converted her
own try. Moments later, off the next kickoff, flyhalf Juliette Conte (CC ’12) found a gap in the
Fordham defense to score her first of four tries for the day. Another successful conversion
by Cerullo put CUWRFC up 14-0. Fordham responded with powerful runs by their
forwards, scoring try to end the half 14-5. Columbia maintained the intensity by
dominating the rucks and with the Blue Beast of a pack working as a unit to dictate the
scrums. Several controlled phases of play, filled with punches from the forwards and
confidence in the back line, ended with two more tries from Conte, and successful
conversions by Cerullo. The final score was 28-5, a perfect way to christen CUWRFC’s
brand new jerseys.

CUWRFC sought to carry this intensity into their next match against Swarthmore,
who had the advantage of watching the first match and stepping on the field with fresh
legs. But Columbia used its momentum from the first match to make strong tackles and
aggressive runs. Swarthmore tried to break the gain line through punched by their
forwards, but Columbia responded with a solid defensive line and competitive rucking. The
half ended with CUWRFC up 5-0, with a try to conclude an agile run by flyhalf Juliette Conte
(CC ’12). Having played forty more minutes of rugby than their opponents, CUWRFC dug
deep in the second half to try to maintain its lead, but some miscommunication on defense
allowed Swarthmore to capitalize off a penalty 5 meters away from the try zone. Down by
two points, Columbia continued to create offensive opportunities, including a combination
between flyhalf Conte and eight-man Savannah Woods (CC ’14) for a punishing run into
Swarthmore’s defensive third. Although they were unable to find the try zone again, the
Columbia ladies were proud of their determination, heart, and teamwork, as they played a
day of rugby that reminded them of their love for the sport.

Back of the Match: Juliette Conte (CC ’12)
Forward of the Match: Erin Glennon (CC ’12)
Player of the Match: Savannah Woods (CC ’14)

Help CUWRFC run for women!

tclarke — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:30:48 +0000

CUWRFC is participating in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women on May 5th! Please support us by helping us raise money for women’s cancer research. Just a few dollars helps, and we appreciate anything you can give. Donate here: http://do.eifoundation.org/site/TR/RevlonRunWalk/NYRRW?team_id=4746&pg=team&fr_id=1081

CUWRFC takes on NYRC U19s

mem2256 — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 03:57:48 +0000

On a cold and rainy Saturday, CUWRFC faced a young and determined NYRC
U-19 squad, in a tiring, high-scoring match. CUWRFC started the game with a quick try by
fullback Izzy Cerullo (CC ’13). Shortly after, another run into NYRC territory by Cerullo set
up outside center MeL Peterson (CC ’13) to find a gap in the defensive line and score her
first try in a 15s game. Keeping high pressure on NYRC, Columbia stole a lineout and
flanker Alexis Kurmis (SEAS ’13) scored her first try of the season with an aggressive run
through defenders. As NYRC struggled to keep composure and leave their own half,
CUWRFC was able to win the ball in loose play and Cerullo received a well-timed pass to
out-pace defenders in a 50-meter run for another try. Undeterred by a 20-point deficit, the
U19s controlled several phases of play to put 5 points on the board after more than 20
minutes of play. Columbia responded with a quick run by scrumhalf Erin Glennon (CC ’12),
and a link-up between Peterson and Cerullo allowed Cerullo to score again. NYRC took
advantage of CUWRFC’s hesitation at rucks to control several phases of play, again, and
capitalize on two tries before the end of the half.
Going into the second half, CUWRFC sought to hold onto its lead, while the U19s
proved with admirable tenacity and determination that the match was far from over. NYRC
scored first in the second half, and Columbia responded with an 80-meter run by Cerullo.
The Columbia defense had a handful of aggressive moments with strong, technical tackling
and anticipation in getting off the defensive line, but a trend of hesitation, inconsistency,
and physical exhaustion allowed NYRC to tie the score and end the match ahead by three
tries. The final score: 34, CUWRC; 49, U19 NYRC.
The forward of the match was awarded to Triny Reyes (CC ’15) for her versatility
in playing the flanker position for the first time, as well as her usual position at tighthead
prop. In the backline, MeL Peterson and Arielle Napoli (BC ’15) moved from their positions
at the wings to play center for Amanda Leng-Smith (CC ’15) and Bianca Rahill-Marier
(SEAS ’12). Napoli was named the back of the match for her fearless tackling and defensive
positioning. Player of the match was awarded to Alexis Kurmis for her aggression on
defense and offense, her effective positioning, and her consistent effort for more than 80
minutes. Also, CUWRFC extends a special thank-you to NYRC players Alana and Steph, for
helping out in the wing and flanker positions, respectively.

CUWRFC tries: Cerullo (4), Peterson (1), Kurmis (1); conversions: Peterson (2)
NYRC: 9 tries, 2 conversions

CUWRFC fights hard at Four Leaf 15s

mem2256 — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 03:03:09 +0000

CUWRFC competed in the Four Leaf 15s tournament at Randall’s island on March 24^th. With several injuries affecting the roster, the Columbia ladies stepped up to challenges and tried to play to the team’s strengths. The first match against Marist College, the ultimate tournament champion, ended with a score of 43-0. Marist was able to capitalize on CUWRFC’s hesitation at the breakdown, lack of anticipation of the next phase of play, and trouble following through on tackles. However, the Columbia pack fought back with powerful scrums and competitive lineouts, while the backs were able to find gaps for a couple of breakaway runs. Melissa Peterson played a standout game filling in at the fullback position.

CUWRFC suffered a tough loss to Northeastern in the second round of the tournament. Freshman Amanda Smith started at flyhalf, but strained her hamstring shortly into the first half. Columbia had to do quite a bit of rearranging in both the back line and the pack to account for several other unfortunate injuries (including flyhalf Juliette Conte and fullback Izzy Cerullo), but the CUWRFC ladies stepped up magnificently. Many players were able to gain valuable experience playing new positions. Despite a 0-53 loss, the team never lost heart, but fought fifteen as one down to the last minute.

Final Scores: Marist: 43, Columbia: 0; Northeastern: 53, Columbia: 0

Back of the Match: Erin Glennon #9

Forward of the Match: Chrissy Hernandez #7

Player of the Match: Arielle Napoli #11

CUWRFC on Bwog!

mem2256 — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 19:20:21 +0000

Check out Bwog’s feature on Columbia Women’s Rugby!

SCHEDULE CHANGE

mem2256 — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:01:52 +0000

CUWRFC will not be headed to the Cherry Blossom Tournament this weekend. Instead, come out to Randall’s Island this Saturday to watch us take on NYRC’s U19 team!

Game update: CUWRFC Falls to Stony Brook, 31-5

mem2256 — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 22:11:34 +0000

Final Score: Stony Brook: 31, Columbia: 5

Back of the Match: Amanda Smith #11

Forward of the Match: Savannah Woods #8

Player of the Match: Sophie Lieberman #1

CU Try: Sophie Lieberman

CUWRFC fought valiantly yesterday in a tough match against Stony Brook, playing fifteen as one down to the last minute of the game. The Columbia women never lost heart despite several unfortunate injuries early on in the match that disrupted the back line. Several players stepped up into new positions throughout the game, including freshman Amanda Smith leading the back line at flyhalf for the second haf of the game, and prop Sophie Lieberman stepping into the back line. Lieberman also scored her first try early on in the game. Congratulations to rookies Claire Mathieson, Irma Calderon, Paulina Pinsky, and Aviva Nassimi who played hard in their first match.

Follow us on Twitter, come to our game!

mem2256 — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 03:22:59 +0000

CUWRFC opens its spring season tomorrow with a match against Stony Brook. Come out to Baker Field at 5pm to witness this exciting rematch of last season’s spring opener.

If you can’t make it to the game, follow live in-game updates on our new Twitter!

Spring schedule posted!

mem2256 — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 02:32:26 +0000

Our 2012 spring schedule is now posted! View it here.