ELLENSBURG, Wash. - A try from Isaiah Saldana in the 74th minute helped the Central Washington University men's rugby team overcome some adversity and defeat Trinity Western Spartans 27-24 under the lights at Tomlinson Stadium.
 
INSIDE THE FIXTURE:

• Final: CWU 27, TWU 24
• Location: Tomlinson Stadium | Ellensburg, Wash.

QUOTING HEAD COACH TODD THORNLEY:

• "It was a great effort by TWU who put us under a lot of pressure for the entire 80 minutes. We were below our standard at times which is while frustrating also encouraging as we know we have so much growth left in us. We wanted to see what our underclassmen were made of so this experience is invaluable for them going forward."

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Trinity Western got off to a hot start, scoring a try in the 3rd minute. The Spartan conversion was good.
• In the 12th minute, Noah Wright answered, bringing the score to 5-7.
• Saldana scored his first try of the evening in the 27th minute and Oliver Cline nailed the conversion attempt to give the Crimson and Black their first lead at 12-7.
• In the 34th minute, Trinity Western slotted a penalty kick between the uprights, closing the Wildcat lead to 12-10, which they took into halftime.
• Out of the break, Marques Fuala'au got the action started with a try and a successful conversion from Cline. The 'Cats led 19-10 in the 45th minute.
• Only four minutes later, TWU answered back with a try and conversion.
• In the 57th minute, the Wildcats were gifted a penalty kick, which Cline nailed to give the Crimson and Black a 22-17 advantage.
• Trinity Western regained the lead in the 61st minute, breaking off a long run for a try with a successful conversion. CWU trailed 22-24.
• With only six minutes remaining, Saldana scored the game-winning try, his second on the night.
• The Wildcats held onto the 27-24 lead until the end of regulation, preserving their second win over Trinity Western this season.

UP NEXT:

• The Wildcats (6-0) will return to action and take on Army at Tomlinson Stadium on Mar. 8. Their previously scheduled matchup against Western Washington tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. has been canceled.