Vassar and RPI took wins in the Tri-State Men’s DII college conference Saturday, giving both a nice start to the season, while Fairfield continued their torrid run, and NJIT also kept winning.

 

For Vassar, it was a good day as Eli Vargas scored four tries in a 74-0 shutout of Siena. Fairfield continued their dominance, winning 99-3 over Hofstra to take their three-game league points total to 233. New Jersey Institute of Technology might not quite have to same high-powered offense, but they are still 30-0. Manhattanville also won their opener.

Union also moved to 1-0 with an impressive win over New Paltz, while previously 2-0 Molloy fell to 2-1 after they ran into NJIT.

 

For RPI, this could be the beginning of a bounce back to the higher levels of DII rugby as they beat Marist 43-12. Club president Kieran Davis said opening at home was important.

 

“We are very happy with the result,” said Davis. “If that game is any indication we’ll do pretty well this year. We defended really well and just had a lot of hustle out there.”

 

No. 8 Matt Lyon was the forwards player of the game for Rensselaer, while inside center Anthony Cormace took the honors for the backs.

 

“This is a good start for us, but we know there’s more to do,” said Davis. “Vassar and Union are both strong teams with good athletic backgrounds. We know we have our work cut out for us.”

 

Tri-State Conference Scores

Vassar 74-0 Siena  

Marist 12-43 RPI  

Union 38-0 SUNY New Paltz  

William Paterson 12-12 Seton Hall  

Hofstra 3-99 Fairfield  

Montclair State 3-45 Sacred Heart  

Molloy 17-40 NJIT  

Long Island 0-28 Manhattanville