Wild Semifinal Matchups in Women's Small College
Wild Semifinal Matchups in Women's Small College
St. Bonaventure has only been pushed once all season, but SUNY Cortland (see about them below). Other than that 36-22 result, Bonnies averaged a 72-5 scoreline in their other eight victories. This included four shutouts. Their attention to detail on defense is backed up by a team approach on attack and a forgiving attitude, which you need.
“Mistakes are bound to happen," said Head Coach Meredith Pyke after SBU's conference final win over Cortland a month ago. "But instead of getting frustrated, they did a good job of holding together.”
Leading the way for St. Bonaventure is 2022 NCR All American Makenna Ramsey, who, in the nine games this season, has scored 40 tries. She scored seven in two successive games and five against Cortland in the conference
With Kaylee Middaugh, Harley Brown, and Kyla Nentarz also prominent on the scoresheet, they have many weapons.
St. Bonaventure is NCR's #2-ranked team, and Endicott is #1 ... so guess who they play in the semis?
Like St. Bonaventure, Endicott has dominated most of its games this season. The defending champs sit 8-0, including a win over DII team Roger Williams. Through the six small-college games leading into last week's quarterfinal, the Gulls have outscored opponents by an average of 60-7. Against Colby in the quarterfinals, Endicott had to fight for it before a pair of tries from Tess Merrill and tries from Brooke Stoncius, Chloe Marconi, and Tegan O'Donnell saw them win 27-12. Peyton Gilson was player of the game.
"Colby was a great match for us," said Head Coach Carly Baker. "I thought they did a good job applying defensive pressure right from the start. We wanted to continue to play a fast tempo game and control possession in the 2nd half. Making sure to not allow them any opportunities to get going."
Marconi has been very good for Endicott. The sophomore prop owns the middle of the field, said Barker, thumping through the defensive line with her running. She stepped into that role after Jourdan VanAmburgh graduated and Endicott had not missed a beat. With Katie Gennell playing brilliantly on defense and Ashley McElhinney moving from flanker to flyhalf to run the attack, the Gulls are on a roll.
And, of course, they have a very tough semifinal ahead of them.
"Our players know that St. Bonaventure is a strong team ranked at #2 and good in the breakdown and attack," said Baker. "So we are looking to continue work on our defensive connection and integrity."
SUNY Cortland made the semifinal after a difficult clash with Northern Michigan. NMU actually scored first and were all set to score a second try before being stopped just before the tryline. Cortland then worked their way down the field thanks to some NMU penalties and added to that several well-executed passes to set up the equalizer for lock Leah Masi, who showed some pace to get the last pass on the wing.
the desire to play fast and attack the edges finally gained Cortland the lead. They added to that off a free kick awarded during a scrum, and scored another around the outside. In the second half NMU surged back with two tries only to see Cortland's superior pace burn them again. Wit Yasmin Valerio leading the charge up front and good passing skills from flyhalf Becca Heaney unleashing plenty of talent out wide, they are, once again, a team to worry about.
To Northern Michigan's credit, they came back and made it close at 36-27, a lesson, perhaps, for the Peace Frogs as they go forward in closing out a game. They take on a Wisconsin-Platteville team that wasn't especially challenged in their region but were very impressive in the playoffs. Their strength is in a forward pack led by Selena Bodendein and Grace Wilhelmi and a smart scrumhalf in Zoe Barners who keeps it moving.
After beating Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech to win their conference, Platteville slammed Pittsburg State 84-7 and, in the quarterfinals beat Wayne State 44-10.
