SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio – On Saturday, No. 10 Notre Dame College lost to No. 6 Penn State University, 43-17.
In Notre Dame's first game in the D1A Rugby East Conference, the Falcons came out a little flat and the Nittany Lions stormed out to a 26-0 lead before NDC scored right before the half to make it 26-5 at the break.
"I think the players on the field showed some concern without three of our leaders on the field. With captain
Cian Grendon and co-captain/All-military
Zackaree Forro out due to injuries,
Marcus Tupuola playing with the Collegiate All-American team in Philadelphia and the loss of
Cullen Barelka early in the game to injury, we knew that it might be a long day," head coach
Jason Fox said. "However, after scoring at the end of the half, and with some new players stepping up, we realized that we can compete if we stick to our system and play as a team."
The Falcons came out of halftime and scored the next 12 point to narrow the lead to 26-17. But the Penn State rugby team showed why they are one of the best in the nation by keeping their composure and played disciplined rugby to score the next 17 points for the victory.
"I am proud of the character of the guys on the field that stayed in the game for the majority of game, however, we cannot make as many mistakes against a team like Penn State and expect to win," said Fox. "They played almost mistake free and that was the difference."
Tupuola and Forro are back on the field and it is possible that Grendon and Barelka could get back on the field this week. With those athletes returning, the Falcons will look to play a much better game when they take on Army this Sunday, September 24. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. on Mueller Field.
