By Zach Bonner, Asst. News Editor
Susquehanna men’s rugby lost to Loyola 31-19 in a play- in match for the NSCRO Gold Championship Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 18. With the win, Loyola advanced into the round of 16 teams in the tournament with the win.
The team ended the season with a record of seven wins and one loss. They ended the regular season with an undefeated record. Loyola currently has a record of eight wins and one loss, with six wins in the regular season.
Susquehanna had a strong momentum coming into the match, with a 400-point dif- ferential between Loyola and them in the standings.
One of the limiting factors for both teams in the match was the weather. It rained half an inch and was an actual temperature of 29 degrees.
“The weather definitely didn’t play to our strengths,” said senior Matt Kaltenbach, “Especially considering how competitive our matchup with Loyola was.”
To start the match, Loyola scored the first try. By the end of the first half, Susquehan- na had claimed the lead and scored two tries. Loyola took back the lead in the second half, and held it to secure the win and advance.
“We simply just had a harder time than usual trying to execute our plans,” senior Cooper O’Connell said.
“In terms of teams that we play in the regular season [Loyola] was definitely out of their league,” said Kaltenbach, “They were the most well-rounded team we have seen all year.”
The River Hawks ended their fall season with a phenomenal record, and despite it coming to an end, players have a positive outlook for the upcoming spring season.
“Historically, we’ve had more strength as a 7’s team,” said O’Connell, “At full strength, I’m confident in what lies ahead.”
According to the men’s rugby information webpage on gosusqu.com, the team has won the 10-team NSCRO National 7s Qualifier in the spring of 2013, 2014, and 2015. They have plans to con- tinue this streak into the spring 2018 season and beyond.
“We have high hopes for the upcoming season,” said Kaltenbach, “We have every intention of making it to the NSCRO National Championship game in June.”