Oct. 10: VL vs Monmouth

There’s nothing better than playing for fans, and the Lions Women dedicate their 47-12 win over Monmouth to those who cheered us on during Friends & Family Day. The Leonas are 5-0 at the conclusion of league season and have successfully defended its Met NY title. Next weekend the ladies head to Monmouth for Northeast playoffs.

The nervous energy was palpable as kickoff loomed, as the Lions expected the first real competition of its season. History suggested an even fight, with Monmouth winning the last showdown in DC, and the Lions eking out a two-point victory last year.

And fans were not disappointed in what evolved. The Lions ran out to two quick tries from Meg Collins and Rosie Rough, but Monmouth flanker Hope-something kept her team close with a 10-meter try.

The Lions sucked it up, buckled down on post defense and kept the Renegades scoreless for the rest of the first 40. The backs finally took advantage of their space outside, and Kathleen Ryan and Becca Asser linked up for a nice scissor try – a score that coach Mary Holmes claimed as one of the prettiest tries she’s seen.

Forwards put up a great fight against the typically larger Monmouth scrum, and managed to steal a couple of their put-ins. The forwards accounted for a pushover try in the first half, getting far enough over the line for Renee Ovrut to take one step in the try zone for the five-pointer.

Monmouth put in one other try – though it’s debatable if it was actually touched down considering Kim Dacres had her hand underneath the ball and then punched it out of the girl’s possession – but it was enough to keep the Lions on their front feet.

Holmes commended the effort, and in particular, Becca Asser’s performance on the wing. “She kicked when she was supposed to kick, and linked up well with her support,” Holmes said. The nod earned her the Woman of the Match jacket from her peers, while lock Jess Houser took Silent Force.

The Lions will face either Providence or Albany (most likely) in next week’s playoffs. Top two finishers head to nationals at a still TBD location.

Lions 47
Tries: Collins, Rough 2, Asser 2, Ryan, Ovrut
Conversions: Warren 6

1. Taryn Goodman, 2. Meredith Harmon, 3. Kelly Rogers, 4. Sari Warren, 5. Jess Houser, 6. Jess Beck, 7. Tricia Stanley, 8. Meg Collins, 9. Renee Ovrut, 10. Kim Dacres, 11. Sarah Landry, 12. Jackie Finlan, 13. Rosie Rough, 14. Becca Asser, 15. Kathleen Ryan. 16. Sharon Berger, 17. Sophie Denis, 18. Emma Fisher, 19. Ros Lovina, 20. Emi Okamoto.