UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – Penn State Men’s Rugby secured their first Rugby East victory in an exhilarating 32-24 win over Kutztown on October 19th. The Nittany Lions showcased their tenacity and teamwork, rallying to fend off a tough Kutztown side in front of their home crowd.
The Penn State pack set the tone early, with Adam Bilbo powering over the line twice from well-constructed mauls to give the home side a crucial lead. Aidan King also crossed the line, while Trace Mansfield celebrated his first try for Penn State, further bolstering the team’s momentum. Scrumhalf Lorenzo Zamel was exceptional with the boot, slotting two penalties and converting three tries to keep Kutztown at arm’s length throughout the match.
Kutztown fought back, applying pressure and narrowing the score, but Penn State’s defensive resilience held strong. The game was a physical contest, with both sides exchanging big tackles and gritty play. However, Penn State maintained composure in the final stages to seal the victory, delighting the home supporters and marking a memorable milestone in their Rugby East campaign.
The 32-24 win is a testament to Penn State's growing cohesion and confidence as they build on this landmark performance. Head coach Zac Mizell and the team will look to carry this momentum forward, aiming to capitalize on the confidence boost in their upcoming fixtures.