GRR: Vassar
For Vassar and Rutgers, Sunday's conference championship is less about winning the Tri-State title and more about gauging the strength of their respective rosters. The pair have already guaranteed their places in the DII fall Round of 32, and regardless of Sunday's outcome, both will host their playoff-openers.
One thing was certain as Kutztown and Vassar lined up for their quarterfinal on Sunday: One of last year’s Final Four teams wasn’t returning to Florida this December. And through 80 minutes of play, it appeared that Kutztown was the team to be left behind, as Vassar established and retained a lead throughout the game.
Now we’re down to two teams in the Tri-State Men’s DII collegiate conference, with Vassar and Fairfield winning their semifinals this past weekend.
Fairfield downed a solid RPI team 58-10 Sunday, while Vassar had to battle to push aside Sacred Heart 48-34.
Vassar will take on Rutgers in the Tri-State Women’s DII college conference final next week after each won their respective semifinals Saturday.
Vassar defeated Hofstra 27-17 in a game where Hofstra were able to spoil Vassar possession well and tested the Brewers’ midfield defense with their hard-running centers.
Vassar College's men's team finished the Tri State North season 5-0 after a 39-14 of local rivals Marist.
Joe Simon paced the Brewers with two tries and Nich Graham scored a try and kicked nine points for a total of 14.
Marist battled and were within three points at halftime with Vassar up 10-7.