Columbus, OH - Penn State Men's rugby traveled to Columbus, OH to take on the Buckeye's this past Saturday and despite a valiant effort late in the match, fell 42-45 to a strong Ohio State team.
As has been a bit of the story this season, the team fell behind 0-7 early with OSU capitalizing a few Penn State mistakes and scoring a converted try 2 minutes into play. This seemed to wake the team up and on the ensuing kick-off Penn State drove down the field and scored through a strong play from Captain Campbell Halloran. Dalton Musselman, who was perfect off the tee on the day, added the extras to tie it up 7-7, 5 minutes into the match. Things seemed to be moving in Penn State's direction when Aidan King quick tapped a penalty he had won, beat 2 defenders and crossed under the posts, 14-7 Nittany Lions. The remainder of the half was a truly back and forth scoring fest with Penn State scoring 2 more tries and Ohio State scoring 3. Heading into halftime it was a one score game, with OSU having the upper hand 28-21 over the Lions.
Ohio State struck early in the 2nd half with a penalty and converted try to extend their lead 38-21. There was no way the Lions were going to back down and the team truly fought hard to scrape back into the match. Tries from Thomas Treussard and Max Fish, both converted by Dalton Musselman brought the team within 3 points, 35-38.
With time running out Ohio State pounced on a Penn State error and scored a long range try to again extend their lead to the 2 score game, 45-35 in favor of the Buckeyes. Penn State put the pressure on late and in the dying minutes scored their final try of the afternoon through Jordan Kelley, and fell just short in the end. Final score on the day was Penn State 42, Ohio State 45.
The Lions must rebound quickly as we host Notre Dame College in another conference match up Saturday, 30 October at 1:30pm.
