SOUTH KINGSTOWN,  RI – The Nazareth rugby team suffered a close defeat to Rhode Island on Saturday, falling 17-9 in the season-opener.
 
Nazareth went up 3-0 early by a penalty kick from Dylan Fairchild. 
 
Rhode Island scored early in the second half to make it 5-3, however, Nazareth responded with 20 minutes left to make it 8-5 on a try by Jacob Sal Hernandez.
 
URI quickly responded with a try to make it 12-8. The Rams were able to score again with four minutes left to make the final 17-8.
 
Miguel Solorzano was voted by the team captains as man of the match for his defensive efforts.
 
Nazareth will host its home opener next Saturday against the University at Buffalo at 5 p.m. on Golden Flyer Stadium.