GRR: Davenport University
Davenport University went 1-1 in two early-season games as they lost to regular rivals Western Ontario and then beat Western Michigan.
St. Mary’s will meet Life University once again in the USA Rugby DIA final as the Gaels defeated a determined and plucky Davenport University 48-32 Saturday in Moraga, Calif.
St. Mary’s dominated in the first half, but had to weather a furious Davenport surge in the second half.
One thing you have to give Davenport University - they don’t back down from a challenge.
The Panthers have embraced tough competition since they began playing as a quasi-varsity program.
After two DIAA championships, they moved up to DIA, playing in the toughest conference in the nation in the Mid-South. How tough? They didn’t win a conference game until this April.
Davenport University and Army are acquainted, as the two teams met in the DIA playoffs last year; and this year a place in the semifinals is at stake between the two teams.