READING, Pa. – Notre Dame College went up against No. 4 ranked Indiana University in the National Collegiate Rugby Division I Semifinals at the home of Penn State Berks, last Saturday. The Falcons dominated on both sides of the field and cruised to a 26-13 victory, punching their ticket to the National Championship game next weekend.
 
After an early penalty was called on the Hoosiers, NDC took advantage and Cameron Mills pushed his way across in the 14th minute for a 7-0 advantage. After a few minutes passed, the Falcons broke away with the ball out of a scrum again and a couple passes later, Marcus Jansen van Vuuren took it in for a try. The score would remain 12-0 as the teams went to locker rooms for halftime at the 40-minute mark.
 
Indiana had a chance with a penalty kick in the 47th minute, but missed it wide right. However, in the 49th minute they would put three points on the scoreboard with a successful kick.
 
The Falcons' defense held up and they pushed back down the field for a try in the 54th minute. Stephan Herbst looked to his right and faked a pass, creating a lane to run in for five points. The conversion was good and NDC led, 19-3.
 
Notre Dame just about put the game away with another try on a well-deserved score, as five minutes remained in the contest. The Falcons led by 20, 26-6.
 
NDC will play No. 3 St. Bonaventure in the National Championship game, which will take place in Houston, on Dec. 9. Last weekend, in the other semifinal matchup, St. Bonaventure upset No. 1 Brown University, 15-13.