University Park, PA - Saturday, 21 October, the Penn State Men's Rugby team went head-to-head against the University of Mary Washington. Despite a valiant effort, Penn State fell short, with a final score of 15-20 in favor of University of Mary Washington.
The game got off to an electrifying start with both teams showing their mettle. In the 24th minute, Penn State's Dan Morariu managed to break through the UMW defense, scoring the first try of the match. Unfortunately, the conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 5-0 in favor of Penn State.
However, the University of Mary Washington was quick to respond. UMW managed to secure 15 points before the halftime whistle, through two tries a conversion and a penalty. The halftime score read 15-5 in favor of UMW.
The second half saw both teams displaying remarkable resilience and unwavering determination. Penn State continued to fight hard, determined to make a comeback. Earning a penalty 8 minutes into the half, closed the gap 15-8. After spending numerous phases on attack inside UMW's 22m, Stephen Hoey found a gap and dashed through for the try, in adding the extras leveled the score at 15-15.
With the match winding down, UMW were able to break and score with 7-minutes left. Penn State mounted an attack and threatened the UMW line, only to be stopped short. Mary Washington were able to grind down the close and walk away victors, 20-15 and claim back the Sheehy Cup.
Penn State are on the road again next week as the team travels to take on in-state rival Kutztown at 1:00pm, Saturday, 28 October.