Box Score
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Penn State used a solid defensive effort to defeat West Chester University, 58-5, in the first round of the USA Rugby National Tournament on a cold and rainy Friday afternoon.
West Chester (8-4-1), making its first national tournament appearance since 2008, will take on Northern Iowa Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. in a consolation match.
Penn State recorded its first try in the 15th minute, giving the Nittany Lions all the momentum as they built a 29-0 lead by halftime. West Chester worked itself out of trouble several times in the early going. However, Penn State was persistent around the tryline and built a lead from there.
“I was very impressed with Penn State’s defense,” WCU head coach Tony DeRemer said. “They came up quickly, and that caused a lot of trouble in our attack. We weren’t able to sustain any possessions.”
The Golden Rams were unable to penetrate Penn State’s half of the field until the second half. Nicole Benedetti busted off a 30-meter run with five minutes left to finally put West Chester on the board. But, that was all the Rams were able to put up against a stingy Penn State squad.
“I am proud of the team and the heart they displayed,” DeRemer said. “After falling behind by 50 points, it can be difficult to maintain your focus and hang your head. They fought right to the end.”
West Chester will play its final contest of the 2012-13 campaign on Saturday when they face Northern Iowa in a consolation match. Northern Iowa lost to BYU in the other contest in Grand Rapids, Mich.
