POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – The Frostburg State Women's Rugby team defeated Bowdoin 20-17 on Saturday afternoon for their first-ever win against the Polar Bears.
 
After nine minutes of the sides exchanging possessions, BC got hold of the ball and moved their way through the central-left side, eventually punching in a try, as well as a conversion, to lead 7-0. On the resulting kick-off, FSU was able to wrestle back control of the ball, then a penalty against Bowdoin put them within scoring distance. With passes going down the right side, senior LJ Jordan finally was able to break through and touch the ball down to get the Bobcats on the board at a 7-5 score.
 
It would be another 15 minutes for either team to find pay dirt, as the Polar Bears took a direct route through the middle of Frostburg's defense, putting the ball down and getting the conversion to lead 14-5. As the half entered extra time, a BC giveaway deep in their own territory allowed sophomore Izzy Sage to barrel through a couple defenders for a try to cut the deficit to 14-10.
 
Just three minutes into the start of the second period, a foul against FSU allowed the Polar Bears to net a penalty kick, pushing their advantage up to 17-10. Five minutes later, the Bobcats were able to consistently move the ball up the field, earning a scrum from which junior Natalie Allen punched in from just a couple yards out to get within 17-15.
 
The sides locked in to battle over the next 17 minutes, with neither team able to truly threaten another score. Frostburg was then able to get upfield, where Jordan was able to get a pass off while falling to the ground over to sophomore Aissatou Medley, who scampered around the right side and put the Bobcats ahead 20-17. FSU's defense was able to hold steady the rest of the way, not allowing BC another shot at scoring in earning the three-point win.
 
With the victory, Frostburg improves to 2-2 on the year, while Bowdoin drops to 1-2. The Bobcats will next face Long Island on Sunday, October 18 at 1 p.m. from the campus of Kutztown University. Information and updates will be posted to frostburgsports.com.