ROCHESTER, NY - The Golden Flyer 7s tournament returned to Nazareth for the first time in two years on Saturday, featuring five colleges from the upstate/western New York region. Nazareth University, University at Buffalo, University at Albany, Le Moyne University, and Rochester Institute of Technology.
Naz Rugby honored their four Seniors prior to their first kickoff in
Rashawn Bowen,
Aiden Pavlek, Captain
Eitan Otero, and Captain
Owen Barr.
How it Happened:
- Nazareth opened the day with an impressive 28-0 win over the RIT Tigers. Nazareth's seniors would not be outdone moments after their senior send off. The Golden Flyers moved the ball well and played stout defense in the win.
- Round two featured Nazareth against the University at Buffalo Bulls. After an intense back and forth battle, Nazareth found themselves ahead 7-5 at the final whistle. Big hits, good defense, and mistakes by both teams led to the low scoring clash.
- The third round was a big win with a lot of playing time for Nazareth's depth. Nazareth ran away with it against RIT's B side, 47-7.
- Nazareth faced UB again in the semi finals, winning 19-12. UB was physical, but Nazareth's finesse and speed proved to be too much. Sprinting straight through the Buffalo defense; Jacob Hernandez scored a beautiful try on a, "Switch," line to put the game away for Naz.
- Liberty Rugby Conference D2 7s Champion Albany was Nazareth's opponent in the final. The game was back-and-forth and evenly matched. Albany went ahead 19-14 with two minutes left. After Nazareth moved the ball toward the end zone in the final minute; freshman walk-on, Mark Sick, sealed the drive by scoring a beautiful diving Try to tie the game at 19-19 on the final play. That set up Senior captain, and kicker, Owen Barr, to complete the two point try conversion kick for the 21-19 win for the Golden Flyers.
Tournament Notes:
- Naz Rugby concluded its 5-0 tournament victory by hosting a Social afterward at Collie's Cafe for tournament participants and their fans. The Golden Flyers will now end their season on a high note and return to rugby in the fall.
