Around Top-of-Conference D2 College Games
Around Top-of-Conference D2 College Games
Here's a quick look at where we are in Men's D2 College rugby.
Northern Iowa and Marquette will meet up in the Great Midwest Conference final after both won semifinals in convincing fashion Saturday.
UNI has seen their halfback combination of David Randall and Jentry Staack come together very nicely and their communication and ability to read defenses have produced points. This week was no different as Northern Iowa defeated Wisconsin-Whitewater to the tune of 62-10.
Marquette's defense was the star of the show against Loyola, with Marquette taking a 36-0 decision from the Chicago-based team. Loyola will play Whitewater next week for third.
Southern Conference
North Carolina State moved to 4-0 with a 50-12 defeat of Appalachian State Saturday. The Wolfpack was led by Jonathan Perry, who was player of the game.
What this sets up is a makeup of a Hurricane-postponed game now set for November 12 with Charlotte at NC State.
Gateway
All people's concerns (OK, ours) about Principia losing in the semifinals to Southern Nazarene went up in smoke as the Thunder Chickens defeated SNU 62-13 to make the conference final.
Principia's offense remains potent. In their seven victories over D2 opposition the Thunder Chickens are averaging just over 85 points per game.
In the other semi, it was a close-run thing for at least 40 minutes as Central Missouri held a slim 17-10 lead over Washington University. The second half was more in the Mules' favor as they scored three tries to win 38-22.
MARC
Georgetown and Villanova will face off for the Mid-Atlantic Conference final after both won their semifinals this weekend. Georgetown dominated their game against Bloomsburg, winning 72-7. Scrumhalf Charlie Chapman was very good on the day and earned Man of the Match honors. Flanker Jack Kelly and fullback Isaac Greenspan both put in strong performances.
Villanova beat Bucknell 41-24 to set up next week's final.
Great Lakes
In a meeting of the top two teams in the conference, Grand Valley State defeated Ferris State 34-19. Fullback Drew O’Connor played a very good game throughout. He would jump in with the forwards on penalty taps. He was defensively strong and scored two tries. Lock Dante Knarian was a powerful presence, and Nick Iacavoni was solid in the midfield. GVSU did well to handle Ferris State's side and their kick-and chase was part of the difference.
"The game was closer than the score shows," said GVSU Head Coach John Mullett. "Huge credit to Ferris. We were very fortunate to come out on top."