The Mid-Atlantic women’s DII college divisions starkly contrasted with each other. In the Tri-State Division, four of five matches were shutouts, with Kutztown posting the biggest margin in its 145-point win over Rowan. But the Pennsylvania Division was much more nerve-wracking. The three victors outscored opponents 87-65.

York College hung onto a 17-7 win over Scranton, and MARC newcomer Millersville held off former conference powerhouse Lock Haven 34-27. But the game of the weekend came down to Bloomsburg and Shippensburg. Both were undefeated coming into Saturday’s game, and the visitor was favored as the reigning MARC champion. But Bloomsburg beat the odds and rallied to a 36-31 win.

Shippensburg controlled the first 30 minutes of the match, but then the team refocused on defensive organization and forced errors from the visitors.

“Going into the second half of the match, we were down 21-15,” Bloomsburg president and No. 8 Emily Eshleman said. “But our team plays as if the game is 0-0 whether we are losing or winning. We keep our heads level.”

Outside center Cait Rycek led the scoring with two tries, while flyhalf Jacquie Leblanc, tighthead prop Erin Duganitz, loosehead Megan Reilly and flanker Naiomi Cayo-Nelson added a try apiece. Coincidentally, the difference came down to a penalty try, which was awarded after a high tackle. The centered try allowed fullback Kelly Mason slot one of her three conversions, and that was enough to serve Shippensburg its first loss of the season.

“​It has been at least six years since we have beaten Shippensburg,” Eshleman said. “Shippensburg is a solid team and the girls are all great athletes, so we knew we would have to work hard for this win. Returning to the Mid-Atlantic Rugby Conference [from the EPRU] we weren't really sure what to expect, and I'm sure some of our opponents underestimated us, but we had confidence in ourselves.”

Bloomsburg started the season modestly, defeating East Stroudsburg 13-5, and then followed with a 38-12 win over Lock Haven and then Millersville 38-5. But this string of victories isn’t an accident. Since forming in 1995, Bloomsburg has been primarily player-coached, but in fall 2013, the team placed second in the EPRU’s small college championship and followed with an EPRU 7s title in spring 2014. Those successes encouraged the team to find a coach, and that’s when an EPRU stalwart stepped in.

“With the help of our coach, Kevin Castner, we have really improved as a team,” Eshleman said. “He helped the rookies catch up quickly, and he taught the veterans new techniques.”

But the team is still very dependent on its student leadership, and that’s where players like Leblanc and inside center Rachel Harpster shine as playmakers. Hooker Sarah Lamb on defense and Naiomi Cayo-Nelson as line-piercer are also great examples for teammates. And keep an eye on rookie Megan Reilly, who has developed into one of the team's strongest tacklers.

Bloomsburg has Scranton and York College during the next two weekends, and should it take those games (and it should), then the team will take the top seed out of the division and head directly to the ACRA playoffs.

Kutztown is in a similar situation in terms of playoffs. The team is neck-and-neck with Delaware in the standings, but one more win will clinch the division berth to playoffs. And after the team’s 145-0 win over Rowan, there’s no reason to suspect that a conference loss is in the team’s immediate future.

No. 8 Amber DeFabio received the opening kickoff and returned it 70 meters for the first try of the game, 20 seconds in. Fifteen players scored tries, but DeFabio outpaced them all, dotting down six tries and earning Player of the Match honors.

But perhaps the most significant aspect of Saturday’s game was the return of Mary Cate Matta. The flyhalf tore her ACL last fall and is now game ready.

“MC is a big part of this team,” Kutztown coach Sean Cobb said. “She has been the team’s leading scorer the last two years and is a brilliant decision-maker who helps keep the attack on the front foot.”

Matta celebrated her return with a try and 10 conversions. Additional try-scorers included Amy Stotek, Paige Trock (2), Aysia Grondahl, Kayla Shirk, Jessica Tolton (2), Kristin Schmitz, Danielle Ashway, Tabetha Super (2), Payton McCord, Shannon Millar, Amanda Kingsdorf, Courtney Hillock, Heather Luster. McCord (2) and Heather Luster (3) helped with the conversion duties.

“We were explosive is all phases of the game and relentless in attack,” Cobb said. “We jumped out to a big lead early, which allowed us to work on our principles of play and bring in some newer players. I am proud of the younger players. They came into the game and took advantage of their opportunities. The younger players are really starting to understand the system and grow as players. Depth will be key throughout the playoffs and it is really nice to see the younger players stepping up to provide that depth.”

While Kutztown was busy racking up the tries, the rest of the division was competing in double-headers. Delaware, St. Joseph’s, LaSalle and Drexel all played two games last weekend, but only Delaware exited with two wins. The scores:
Delaware 74-0 Drexel
Delaware 39-0 St. Joseph’s
LaSalle 21-0 Drexel
St. Joseph’s 19-12 LaSalle