OREM, Utah- The Central Washington University men's rugby team could not overcome a sluggish first half that saw the Wolverines of Utah Valley University jump out to a 26-7 lead. In the end, the Wildcats fell to UVU, 40-24, to drop to 5-4 on the season.
 
"Tough day at the office as we shot ourselves in the foot in the first half," CWU head coach Todd Thornley stated. "Second half improved, however we just struggled to finish opportunities. Saturday is another opportunity so we must move forward."
 
The Wildcats found the try zone first as Cole Zarcone managed to scoop a low pass and juke several UVU defenders. Reuben Luddick gave Central a 7-0 lead with a successful conversion.
 
Utah Valley dominated the remainder of the first half, scoring 26 unanswered points to enter intermission with a 26-7 lead.
 
The Wolverines continued to test the Wildcat defense out of the break, scoring the first two tries of the second half in the 42nd and 46th minutes.
 
Momentum began to shift in the Wildcats favored in the 49th minute as Zarcone barreled through a would-be UVU tackler for his second try of the match.
 
In the 55th minute, Ian Wright picked up a lose ball near the try line and dove forward for his first try of the fixture. Wright tallied another try in the 65th minute following a Utah Valley penalty.
 
CWU's comeback ultimately fell short, as the Wolverines escaped with a 40-24 victory.
 
The Wildcats will face Brigham Young University on Saturday at 1 p.m. PST in Provo, Utah.
 
SCORING SUMMARY vs. UTAH VALLEY
14:00  Cole Zarcone 5, Reuben Luddick 2
17:00  UVU 7
19:00  UVU 7
29:00  UVU 5
37:00  UVU 7
HALFTIME SCORE: CENTRAL WASHINGTON 7, UTAH VALLEY 26
42:00  UVU 7
46:00  UVU 7
49:00  Cole Zarcone 5
55:00  Ian Wright 5
65:00  Ian Wright 7
FINAL SCORE: Central WASHINGTON 24, UTAH VALLEY 40
 
-CWU-