September 21, 2019
PSU 22 – 0 University of Mary Washington
2nd XV 77 – 19 University of Mary Washington
Defense holds strong to shut out Mary Washington, 22-0
The Penn State Nittany Lions put in a stellar defensive performance to shut out newcomer Mary Washington over the weekend.
This week the team's focus was on cutting out some of our own errors, which proved to put us under some pressure last weekend on the road. While we are still working on some timings and combinations early in the season, the team seem to be settling in well.
Connor Dellapina opened up the scoring for the team with a penalty just 6 minutes in. With Penn State pressuring the line, UMW infringed right in front of the posts and Connor took the easy 3. The match would become a bit of a stalemate for a large portion of the first half, with both teams trading blows but Penn State holding on to most of the territory. After multiple phases in the 22m area, Tommy Capriotti dotted down in the corner after some smooth handling to get him the ball in open space, and Connor added the extras to take the lead to 10-0. Not to be outdone by his brother, and in very similar fashion, Jesse Capriotti scored in the corner in the 35th minute to extend the lead 15-0 going into the half. The great moment on the drive was Freshman Prop John O'Toole, setting up the try with a beautiful display of skill to put his wing away.
The second half of the match was very back and forth with both defenses holding strong and seemingly the heat of the day getting to both teams. But in the 69th minute the stalemate would be broken, after a great box kick from Dellapina, followed up by a quality kick chase, Ian Kilcullen picked off a long pass to go through untouched and score under the posts. Connor added the extras, 22-0 to the Lions.
Overall a very good game against a strong opponent who is new to our competition. Happy to come away 2-0 in the Rugby East and currently sitting #2 on the table 1 point behind old rival Kutztown. We are excited to host a crowd for Friends and Family weekend as we play host to non-conference opponent Dartmouth College and former Head Coach James Willocks.
Building off an impressive victory last weekend, the 2nd Team turned it on again this weekend defeating UMW 77-19. The team were really impressive in their support play to finish long breaks for tries on several occasions. The young team are showing some real promise for the future.
PSU 22 – 0 University of Mary Washington:
Tries: T.Capriotti, J.Capriottia, & Kilcullen
Conversions: Dellapina 2 from 3
Penalties: Dellapina 1 from 1
PSU 2nd 77 – 19 University of Mary Washington