The Digital Collegian - Published independently by students at Penn State
SPORTS
[ Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2003 ]

Early lead ends in loss for rugby

For The Collegian

It is hard to sweep a three-game season series. At least that's what the talking heads point out whenever a team in the NFL that beat a division rival twice in the regular season plays it again in the playoffs.

The Penn State men's rugby team just has to hope it applies to collegiate rugby.

Despite losing to rival and No. 5 Ohio State 21-5 in September and again 42-23 Sunday in the inaugural Fall Rugby Challenge, the coaches and team remained upbeat when looking ahead to a possible playoff match-up with Ohio State in April.

"We played very well for the first 50 minutes," forward coach Don Ferrell said.

"I think we just got a little too comfortable with our lead."

All-American scrumhalf Mike Petri agreed and said that he is confident that the Lions can play with Ohio State if they meet again.

"I think they are definitely a team we can handle. In a way, I think we handled them on Sunday except for a few let downs. We have all winter to get our act together."

PHOTO: Prince Frederick Spells
PHOTO: Prince Frederick Spells
Penn State scrumhalf Michael Petri attemps to avoid being tackled during Penn State's 42-23 loss to Ohio State.

Team captain Brett Cowan said that he was encouraged by the team's effort on Sunday and that Sunday's game helped the Lions learn more about the Buckeye's style of play which will help the Ruggers tailor their game plan.

"Obviously, they'll change some things and we'll change some things," he said.

"If we see them again we'll definitely be prepared."

The games played during the challenge will not affect national rankings or records because the fall season officially ended on Nov. 1 but Ferrell said that the event was a great success for both the men and women's teams because it helped them prepare for future matches.

"It was an excellent barometer for both teams," he said.

The Fall Rugby Classic was covered by College Sports Television and will be televised on December 13.

 



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