By Pat Cusick
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — In a battle for the top spot in Rugby East, Penn State came up just short against rival Army on Friday night, falling 46-36. Despite the loss, the Nittany Lions secured a bonus point, by scoring more than four tries in the contest, to remain tied for second in the division.
A cold and rainy backdrop remained throughout the contest that had Penn State scoring the first points. With a man advantage, following a yellow card to Army, Jimmy Ronan converted a Sean Mahon try only minutes into the match.
Flipping the momentum as the half rolled on, Army scored two converted tries for a 14-7 lead.
Ronan slotted a penalty goal to edge the game closer, at 14-10, however, Army answered back as the half came to a close. Army answered the score with a penalty and a try of its own, taking a 22-10 lead into halftime.
Early in the second half, center Kiefer Kei-Boguinard broke through the Army defense for a try that was converted by Ronan.
Again Army answered and flipped the momentum with a try shortly after.
Kei-Boguinard again put Penn State on the front foot by breaking the Army defense for another try. Ronan’s conversion tightened the game, 27-24.
Army responded to the effort with two quick tries.
Down 39-24, Penn State fought back through wing Michael Eife and a conversion by Ronan.
Trading scores as the game closed out, Army moved first to lead, 46-31.
Flanker Malcolm May tallied the final score of the match for Penn State. The missed conversion sealed the game, 46-36, in favor of the Black Knights.
The loss drops Penn State to 3-2 on the season (2-1, Rugby East).
Next on the slate for the Nittany Lions is Buffalo, who travels to University Park for the 1 PM kickoff.
