Men's Rugby | 4/11/2017 2:21:00 PM

ELLENSBURG, Wash. (Apr. 11) – The Central Washington University men's rugby team takes on the United State Naval Academy in the second round of the Varsity Cup.  The Wildcats travel to Annapolis, Maryland for their fixture on Saturday (Apr. 15) at 1 p.m.
 
The Wildcats had a bye in the opening round of the Varsity Cup.  Central finished its XV's schedule in a 2-2 stretch.  They handed Tacoma (72-5) and the University of Victoria (31-29) defeats, but could not overcome Brigham Young University in a pair of matches.
 
"What a privilege to play a Navy side steeped in tradition and history at their incredible rugby facility," CWU Head Coach Todd Thornley said.  "We are excited and very weary of the challenge Navy presents us this Saturday. The bye week has allowed us to sharpen our sword from a disappointing result last time out and refresh mentally and physically for this do or die match."
 
Navy has won four of its last five fixtures, including a 64-14 victory over Boston College in the Varsity Cup's opening round.  Navy's only two losses on the season came in the opening contest of the season to Penn State University (60-36) and a tight defeat to Army (24-18) in March.
 
In seven fixtures this spring, Navy outscored its opponents 235-154.  Navy shutout just one opponent this season, when they blanked Dartmouth 29-0.
 
Navy was ousted from the Varsity Cup in the quarterfinals last season by Arkansas State in a 31-24 decision.
 
Prior to 2016, Navy had appeared in two consecutive Varsity Cup semifinals.
 
"Navy will come at us all day and play with a lot of heart and physicality," Thornley added.  "Our success depends on our ability to match that and then execute under pressure. A lot of progress has been made in practice, now we need to transfer this into the game on Saturday. I am confident that if our student-athletes perform consistently at the high level they are capable of, then we will get the result we are after."
 
Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday (Apr. 15) at the Prusmack Rugby Complex at the Brigade Sports Complex.