 |  |
Ruggers Victorious over Duquesne in ARU Finals
STEUBENVILLE, Ohio —Shouts of “We’re number one!” echoed across the field as fans cheered the victorious Baron rugby team Saturday afternoon. Franciscan University’s ruggers clinched the Allegheny Rugby Union championship title for a second consecutive year, defeating Duquesne University, 24-5.
“Today’s game was a good battle,” said head coach Mark Hanrahan. “It was a hard fought game against the best team we’ve seen all year. Our guys gave their all. Sweat, blood, and tears; they put their bodies on the line, sacrificing for the team.”
Jason Liuzzi scored the first Baron try of the match, giving the Barons a 7-5 lead at the half. Tony Gayed and Matthew Conahan each scored a try during the second half, while two kicks were scored on the day to round out the Baron lead.
Senior Paul Lewis suffered an injury in the second half of the match, but in a great show of strength and commitment stayed on the field to score another try for the team. His perseverance earned him Man of the Match honors.
“As a senior, this game really touched my heart,” Lewis later said to his teammates. “This game ball is all of ours!”
Key players Andrew Kay and Mike Brasie were sidelined for the competition, but Coach Hanrahan noted how the team wasn’t swayed. “Everyone stepped up in a total team effort to secure the win.”
The Barons defeated Grove City College, 46-12, in the 2010 ARU Finals. Grove City fell to Franciscan in the semi-finals last week, 27-5.
With a season record of 8-0-1, the Barons advance to the National Small College Rugby Organization Central Regional Finals the weekend of Nov. 12-13 in Madison, Wis. The time of the match is to be announced.
