KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- On August 31, Notre Dame College traveled to Kalamazoo, to open up their 2019 season against Western Michigan University. NDC came out on top, beating the Broncos by a score of 43-0.

The Falcons' first side kicked off the scrimmage and the teams were scheduled to play four, 20-minute periods. It was a good defensive battle between both teams. Both sides making tackles but Western Michigan, the Mid-American Conference champion and a powerhouse in D1AA rugby last year, was not able to get past their own half of the field for most of the game.

The two teams had a tough battle trying to score in the first 20 minutes. NDC did not let up and made sure they stayed on the attack. Once the first period was finished, NDC wanted to keep Western Michigan on their heels.

To start the second period the Falcons pinned the Broncos deep in the backfield and were able to take advantage of mishaps. The first try of the game was from Captain Andrew Guerra who muscled his way into score. The team was fired up after the score and for the rest of the game as they were able to total 43 unanswered points on the Broncos.

The try scorers of the game were Guerra, Mark Mutuku, Fadzai Mushonga, Patrick O'Shea, Matthew Smith, Christian Olsen, and Jeff Mutuku. Conversions were made from Fadzai Mushonga and Patrick O'Shea.

"Overall it was a great team effort and great defense by the Falcons to have such a successful victory," the men's rugby coaching staff said.

The second side kicked off shortly after the first side's big win. The second side played two, 30-minute halves. The second side didn't let up either with their defense and toughness on the field. The game was going back and forth with scores.

The contest was a nail biter until the final 15 minutes of the game when the Falcons pulled through to get the victory. The Falcons were down the whole game until Elijah Monroe bulldozed his way into score to tie the game. With the momentum on the side of the Falcons, the next try scorer was Micah Hanna with a 65-meter run, which gave Notre Dame the lead.

The try that sealed the game was from freshman Edward Arens, his second try of the day. He was able to break out of a group of tacklers and run down the field after losing a cleat. The last three try's were scored within 7 minutes of each other. The try scorers of the game were Michael Yeboah, Arens (2), Monroe, and Hanna. Conversions were made from William Walsh.

"It was a great team effort for the team to have a comeback win," the coaching staff mentioned.

"It was a great day of rugby overall for the Falcons. Everyone had a good time out there playing against someone other than their own teammates. There is a lot to learn from to better."

The Falcons will play at St. Bonaventure University on September 21, at 1 and 3 p.m. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN+.