September 14, 2019
PSU 31 – 25 Notre Dame College
2nd XV 89 – 0 Notre Dame College 2nd XV
Nittany Lions hold on win 31-25 over Notre Dame College in the first league match of the season.
In a match full of some season mistakes, the Lions kept NDC in the game throughout. It didn't start great for the team, as a miscommunication on the opening kick-off opened up the scoring for NDC who took an early 7-point lead. This seemed to knock the long bus ride out of the Lions, who responded fairly quickly with a try from Brian Stella, converted by Connor Dellapina, to bring the score level. 10 minutes later Stella again took a dash for the line and dotted down in the corner, again Dellapina converted to extend the lead to 14-7.
With some back and forth play and aggressive defense from both teams, NDC were able to pressure enough to force a penalty right in front of the posts to bring the score closer, 14-10. Not to be outdone, on the ensuing kick-off, pressure from Brian Stella forced a penalty which was converted by Dellapina to extend Penn State's lead, 17-10. With time expiring in the half, Penn State had a sure overlap and great scoring opportunity, only to be denied as NDC flyhalf intercepted a pass and took the ball the distance to score and take the teams level into half time.
The group seemed confident going into the second half, knowing that we had left a few chances on the field. The attack was starting to work, the set piece was setting up some great attacking opportunities for the backs, and it only took 5 minutes when Jesse Capriotti broke a few tackles and increased our lead to 22-17, Dellapina hit the conversion 24-17. Like any good team, and we know that the Rugby East is getting stronger and stronger each year, NDC were not backing down. Pressure was converted to points quickly and a missed conversion would leave them trailing 24-22. A penalty would change the lead again in the match, NDC up 25-22 with 8 minutes left.
Playing off the back of a strong scrum all day, the Lions took a "Heel against the Head," 2 quick passes and LJ Koi-Larbi, smashed his way over to score. Dellapina hit the conversion, to give the team what seemed to be a comfortable lead, 31-25, with only 8 minutes to play. Not comfortable enough however, NDC did a great job of creating opportunities, and with seconds left on the clock were threatening the Penn State line. Multiple defensive efforts, against a big pack saw Tom Capriotti force a turnover and kick the ball into touch to win the match.
The second team, full of young future stars of Penn State Rugby, handled the NDC team comfortably with an 89-0 victory.
Overall a good start to the season with 2 wins in the books. But it is back to the drawing board this week to make sure that we are ready for newcomer, University of Mary Washington, next weekend in our first home league match.
PSU 31 – 25 Notre Dame College:
Tries: Stella x2, Koi-Larbi, J.Capriotti
Conversions: Dellapina 4 for 4
Penalties: Dellapina 1 for 1
PSU 2nd 89 – 0 Notre Dame College 2nd
Next Match: 21 September 2019, PSU v. University of Mary Washington, 12:30p West Campus Fields.