Fairfield returned to their home field looking for redemption after a tough match last week.
With a happy crew of '20 alums in support (Brittany Baker, Julia D'Innocenzo, Abby Dovan, Kate
Welzel, Kate Foley, and Brenna Murphy), we set out to execute a different strategy by mixing
up many of our players in new positions.
Fairfield started the game with energy and focus - starting with a turnover by Hannah
Bershefsky '25, the Red Ruggers game plan was to control the narrative with dynamism and
consistency.
Fairfield displayed high-quality defensive discipline to ensure that Marist stayed well within the
middle of our defensive wall, and a seemingly-scripted key tackle by scrum-half Brigid Muller
'25 and turnover by flanker Tia Stanton '26 led flyhalf Serena Koshy '25 to pick and carry the ball
over 60 meters to set up a try by captain Emily Raia '24 in the 12th minute.
Fairfield continued to apply pressure to Marist, conceding possession mostly on penalties and
the occasional knock-on. An unfortunately injury set up an overload for Emily Raia to round the
corner for another 60-meter run for the second try. We closed out the half with Raia making a
fake to take another deep run for her fourth and final try for the match.
The second half was one of confidence which went both ways. Fairfield leaned into their
athleticism and began to take harder and deeper runs, breaking through tackles and forcing
Marist on their back feet. This led to a give-and-go series by 8-man Lauren Cunneen '26 and
outside center Devyn Ruiz '24'. Fairfield started to lose a bit of focus and the team structure
broke down a bit as players parlayed their confidence into individualistic play, but they quickly
settled back into their structure, allowing Ruiz to add to her first assist with two more
breakaway tries of her own. The cherry on top of this match was the final try, scored by prop
Hannah Bershefsky at the 29th minute. Our finishers came in to hang onto our lead and to get
additional experience on the field, and we walked from the pitch with a 52-10 finish and the
satisfaction of playing at our team potential. Solid kicking by Ashley O'Connor '25' and Julia
Demetropoulous '25'
Literal props go to Bershefsky '25, who led the forward charge with her strong runs, impressive
defense and the always fan-favorite prop try, earning her the forwards BOP. The backs BOP

went to Ruiz '24, whose dynamic speed and defensive pressure was too much for the Marist to
handle.
Match Report submitted by Jane Kim – Head Coach, Women's Rugby