Mount Vernon, NY - The Nazareth Men's Rugby team returned to action this Saturday competing in the Old Blue 7's Tournament hosted by Columbia University. The Golden Flyers faced off against a challenging set of opponents in their pool. Nazareth started the tournament against Southern Virginia University, then played Siena College, and Columbia University in the second and third matches.
GAME ONE: Nazareth vs Southern Virginia University
How It Happened:
- Nazareth would begin the day facing off against a top tier squad from Southern Virginia University. The Knights would come out strong vs the Golden Flyers earning a try and a conversion less than 3 minutes in.
- Nazareth would look to put some pressure on the SVU, but the Knights would continue to roll adding another two tries and two conversions to put the score up to 19-0 entering half.
- Nazareth would look to press on offense, but SVU would continue to dominate at every turn. They would notch another 28 points through tries and conversions to take the match 47-0
Game Notes:
GAME TWO: Nazareth vs Siena College
How It Happened:
- In the second match of the day Nazareth faced off against a familiar opponent in Siena College having just played them last tournament in a nail-biter game. Siena College would have a fast start scoring a try and a conversion early on.
- Nazareth looked to push back and lock down the defensive line, but Siena was able to earn 3 more tries and 2 more conversions to lead 26-0 before the end of the first half due to some missed tackles and errors on Nazareth's end
- The Saints would continue their dominance entering the second half. Nazareth would look to push back and hold the line to limit any Siena chances, but ultimately Siena would earn 21 more points to take the match 47-0.
Game Notes:
- Austin Gillis and Zakariah Zaddem each had a strong game defensively and offensively each earning several tackles and line breaks
- Owen Barr would be fast on his feet notching several carry yards
GAME THREE: Nazareth vs Columbia University
How It Happened:
- Nazareth would finish the day with a match vs the hosts. Columbia would have the early jump on the Golden Flyers as they would get the first two tries of the match and a conversion to go up 12-0 early on.
- Columbia would continue to break the Golden Flyer tackles and would go on to earn another try and conversion to go up 19-0. Nazareth would finally break through scoring their first try of the day from Senior Aiden Pavlek. Owen Barr would pick up the 2 point conversion
- The second half would begin with a fast Golden Flyer start. Owen Barr would tally his first try of the day off of a great play to pick up the loose ball from the Lion defender. He would then score his second conversion to put the score at 19-14.
- Columbia would counter back with another try and conversion late in the half to gain a margin in the score. Nazareth would continue to stay hungry to equalize it, but they would fall short losing 24-14.
Game Notes:
- Aiden Pavlek would score a try to earn 5 points for Nazareth
- Owen Barr continued his season tear, scoring 1 try and earning 2 conversions to score 9 points
- Russell Delos Santos earned several big tackles to hold the line vs Columbia
- Rashawn Bowen would also play a big defensive game earning several tackles
What's Next:
- Nazareth will look to bounce back heading into April as they will head to the Stag 7's Tournament in Fairfield, CT on Saturday April 11th.
