Cornell Women New York State Champions with a 39-10 win over Buffalo

Cornell and Buffalo finished the New York State league season as the top two women’s DI colleges. Both were guaranteed entry into the Northeast Elite 8 (as well as third-place winner Brockport), so what was on the line other than seed? Well, bragging rights, of course.

Cornell returned the New York State title to its possession with a 39-10 win over Buffalo. To sweeten the deal, Cornell did it all behind its player-coaches Talia Baker and Christine Sargent.

“Our game was the best it has been this semester,” Baker said. “We finally were able to have continuous play between the forwards and backs. Our rucks were solid and our communication has improved immensely. Even after we were up three tries in the first half, we never lost focus or got cocky, and were ready to improve from our last play.”

Cornell scored 34 of its 39 points in the first half. Scrumhalf Kayla Strong and flyhalf Christine Lyman dictated the pace of the game and set up a number of strong runs from Ashley Benson. Elise Becker, who returned from a pre-season injury, led the forwards in their solid rucking and ability to maintain possession for solid attacking opportunities.

“In all honestly, I could list 15 people who had great games,” Cornell president Allison Baker said. “It was our best team effort of the season, and the chemistry between the forwards and the backs was incredible. The team worked hard in practice all week and it helped us win a championship.”