Baron Rugby Remains Undefeated

PITTSBURGH—Franciscan University's Baron rugby team wrapped up its regular season Saturday afternoon with a resounding 58-17 victory over Allegheny Rugby Union Division II team Robert Morris University. The defeat pushed Robert Morris into giving up more points in the match than they have all season.

The undefeated Baron ruggers continue to the ARU semi-finals with a 6-0-1 record overall. 

"We are undefeated and ranked as the number one seed in the playoffs," said head coach Mark Hanrahan, "so we should have home field advantage going into the semi-finals.  Today's game was the exclamation point to the season, showing the league that we mean business."

Offensively, the Barons looked stronger than ever, rarely missing an opportunity to capitalize on the play regardless of the circumstances.

"We scored six tries short-handed today, down a man in both halves," Hanrahan added.

Tony Gayed scored an outstanding four tries on the day.  Mike Brasie added two tries, and Matthew Strickland, Matthew Conahan, Josh Ramsammy, and Adam Smyth scored a try apiece.   The Barons racked up a total of ten points in conversions and Brasie tallied a penalty kick.

The Barons head into semi-finals next week, taking on Grove City College.

"We face Grove City next week, and they are a good team," Coach Hanrahan noted. "We played them in the ARU finals last year and beat them 46-12, so they are probably looking for revenge.  We are excited for the competition and are looking forward to the match."