University Park, Pa. – In a must win situation, Penn State travels to West Point, NY for Saturday’s match against Army. Kickoff is set for 1 PM at the Anderson Rugby Complex.
With the Black Knights sitting atop the Rugby East division at 5-0 (25 points), the Lions, at 4-1 (18 points), must come home victorious in order to remain in the post-season hunt.
Army claimed the last meeting between the squads, prevailing 20-19 in the 2009 USA Rugby College National Championship Series – Round of 8. The loss in Marietta, Ga. ended Penn State’s season, where the Black Knights moved on to the Round of 4. The stakes are just as high this time as an Army victory would eliminate the Lions from post-season contention, and solidify a playoff spot for the United States Military Academy.
The two teams also met in a friendly during the spring of 2009, drawing 30-30 in the confines of Holuba Hall at Penn State.
2001 was the last time that Penn State defeated Army, winning 27-25 in a heated Round of 4 match. The Lions also claimed a 57-20 Round of 4 match in 1999.
The last time the Lions played at West Point in a contested match was 2006, in which the Ruggers defeated Dartmouth in the National Championship Series Round of 8, 53-0.
Penn State has many ties to the Army rugby program, with two alumni currently serving on its coaching staff – head coach Richard Polihdal (’95) and backs coach Justin Hundley (’07).
A second-side match will take place following the conclusion of the first match.
For more information: Jonathan Swart/Sports Information Director of Rugby/JSwart85@gmail.com
