TUSCON, Ariz. (May 25) – The Central Washington University men's rugby team competed in three fixtures at the USA Rugby College 7's National Championships. The Wildcats knocked off Grand Canyon University 26-5 to advance to the semifinals where they fell 17-15 to Lindenwood. In the third place game Davenport, the Panthers outlasted the Wildcats 19-15.
"Unfortunately we did not control the controllable today and the rub of the green did not go our way," CWU Head Coach Todd Thornley said. "I'm proud that we had the ability to dig deep on multiple occasions during this tournament."
The Wildcat's started out the day with a 26-5 win over the Antelopes. Cole Zarcone got the scoring started in the second minute of the match followed by a conversion from Jake Szumski.
The 'Lopes got on the board with a try of their own but missed the conversion. Two minutes later, Max Riseham touched down for his first try of the game followed by a second conversion from Szumski. Alex McKenzie and Siddique Newkirk both added on tries of their own.
The Wildcats advanced to the semifinals where they took on two-time tournament champions Lindenwood University. The Wildcats jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead before Lindenwood got their first try of the game. The Lions went on to score 17 unanswered points and took the win by score of 17-14.
After dropping the game against the Lions, the Wildcats were slated for the third place game. The game was a rematch from yesterday against the Panthers. The Panthers got on the board first with a try in the first minute of the game.
It didn't take long for the Wildcats answer back. John Wendling put the first points on the board for the Wildcats. The try was followed two minutes later with a try from Zarcone.
The Panthers put two more tries on the board before Central could add another one of their own. In the 12th minute, Alex Cleary touched down for his first try of the day.
The Wildcats weren't able to add anything else to eliminate the Lion lead. The Wildcat's dropped the game by score of 19-15 and took fourth place in the tournament.
"With the entire 12 man travel roster returning and 8 of them being underclassman, we can learn a lot and move forward," Thornley said. "I'm proud of how this group operated the whole weekend and I know we will continue to evolve day by day to get the big outcome everyone of us is after."
