ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Central Washington University men's rugby team fell to Saint Mary's College 38-17 in Moraga, California.
 
"We learned a lot today against a very good Saint Mary's side," CWU Head Coach Todd Thornley said afterward. "They played at a frantic pace that we chose not to match and dug ourselves into a big hole at halftime. Sure, we won the second half, but our slow starts and lack of consistency is something I need to make sure we fix."
 
The Gaels' offense was clicking in the first half, they scored 26 unanswered points in the opening stanza. Aiden Howe notched a pair of tries for the Gaels, while Jonathan Hackett, Erich Storti, and Karl Keane also tallied tries.
 
Central made a flurry of substitutions in the opening minutes of the second half, spurring a shift in intensity. Just two minutes into the second half, the Wildcats found the try zone on the back of Jake Szumski. Saint Mary's responded with their own try for a 31-5 advantage.
 
The Crimson and Black tallied again, this time Alex Mackenzie made his way over the line. The Gaels, responded in kind once more.
 
Kawika Macy added the Wildcats' final try with Jack Tregoning knocking through the conversion. Saint Mary's answered again, bringing the score line to 38-17.
 
"These games we have played so far have been priceless for a group that is still learning the physical demands of playing some of the bet sides in the nation. How quick we learn is crucial as we look forward to the future and it's a challenge for me to create the environment where we can get the most out of the invaluable feedback we were given today."