Wilmington, DE – For the first time in a decade, the men’s team has claimed a sevens match and subsequently a tournament. The Ruggers were able to best the opposition in all five of its matches on Saturday to win the Subaru Sevens championship at Alopacas Run State Park.
The Lions remained perfect on the day defeating Widener, Temple, Navy, North Carolina, and Navy again to be awarded the tournament crown. Chris Saint was named most valuable player for the tournament. The senior boasted three tries and four conversions from the four matches he played in.
Penn State traveled to Subaru Sevens in preparation for the Collegiate Rugby Championship Sevens Invitational, which is set to take place June 4-5. The Ruggers will continue their training for the event by playing in the inaugural Olympic Style Rugby Tournament – Larrimer Cup in Mechanicsburg, Ohio on Saturday, May 28th. Ohio State and Notre Dame, two other CRC teams, will also be competing in the tournament. Army will also add some competition, as it is scheduled to make the trip to University Park for a mid-week training session with the Lions.
To open the day at the Subaru Sevens tournament, the Ruggers showed it was turning the tables from last year, winning its first sevens match since 2001, defeating Widener 49-0. Center Jay Mathias and replacement wing Joanel Joseph were each able to tally two tries apiece in the contest. Wing Mike Cadau, prop Ben Jannsen, and flyhalf Joe Baker added the additional three tries. Baker converted on all of the tries in the game.
Score: Penn State 49, Widener 0
Tries: Cadau (0:30), Mathias (2:00, 5:00), Jannsen (4:00), Baker (7:00), Joseph (9:30, 12:30)
Conversions: Baker (7 of 7)
In the second game the Lions took on fellow CRC host Temple. Despite being down within the first minute of the game, Penn State was able to fight back with tries from prop Chris Rumple and center Greg Voigt, leading 12-5 at the half. Another quick try from Temple tied the game, before the final try in the game, from Voigt, put the Ruggers in the lead for good.
Score: Penn State 19, Temple 12
Tries: Temple (0:50, 8:10), Rumple (4:30), Voigt (6:30, 11:40)
Conversions: Temple (1 of 2), Saint (2 of 3)
Rounding out pool play, the Lions were able to starve rival Navy of the ball to gain the third victory on the day, winning 20-0. The win meant Penn State had claimed Pool A, ensuring its spot in the tournament semifinals as well.
Score: Penn State 20, Navy 0
Tries: Cadau (0:45), Saint (2:35, 14:00), Baker (4:30)
Conversions: Baker (0 of 5)
Securing the top seed from Pool A, North Carolina was next on the list having placed second in Pool B. The Tar Heels were able to play a more physical game against the Lions, but almost identical to the Temple match from earlier, late tries would seal the game in favor of Penn State.
Score: Penn State 26, North Carolina 14
Tries: North Carolina (1:10, 8:34), Voigt (5:00, 14:00), Calero (7:00), Baker (10:30)
Conversions: North Carolina (2 of 2), Saint (2 of 2), Baker (1 of 2)
Navy was able to earn a slot in the championship, following an overtime victory against Army. The Midshipmen, this time, would not be shutout and were able to capitalize on opportunities in the second half to bring them within striking distance. The efforts would not be enough though, with Baker sliding across the line with no time left to ensure the win. Tournament officials proved to be wearier than the players though, opting to have only the collegiate men’s championship match, also the last match of the day, at seven minute halves, as opposed to the customary ten.
Score: Penn State 20, Navy 10
Tries: Saint (2:00), Erickson (4:15), DeFalco (7:15), Navy (11:00, 11:42), Baker (14:00)
Conversions: Baker (0 of 4), Navy (0 of 2)
Overall Penn State was able to claim its first sevens victory and tournament title since 2001. The last victory came during the PAC Sevens Championship game, which was forfeited by Virginia Tech due to weather restrictions. The uncontested match also gave the Lions its last tournament victory.
Chris Saint earned MVP honors as voted on by coaches and tournament officials.
The men’s team will now turn its focus towards the Larrimer Cup, which will serve as the final warm-up tournament for the squad before the CRC Invitational. Matches for the Larrimer Cup will be held at the Mechanicsburg High School Fields. Match times and opponents have yet to be announced.
In the meantime, Army is scheduled to travel to University Park on Wednesday, for a mid-week scrimmage and practice session. The Black Knights are lead by former Penn State Ruggers Rich Pohlidal and Justin Hundley.
Tickets to the Collegiate Rugby Championship 7’s Invitational, held on June 4 & 5 at PPL Park in Philadelphia, can be purchased through www.rugby.psu.edu. Admission costs $45 for the two-day pass, which also includes a free Drop Kick Murphy’s performance following the games on Saturday.
For more information: Jonathan Swart/Sports Information Director of Rugby/JSwart85@gmail.com
