Army West Point Athletics
Army West Point
Penn State
Black Knights Clinch Rugby East Title
October 27, 2018 | Men's Rugby
WEST POINT, N.Y.- The Army men's rugby team clinched the Rugby East title Saturday, after a commanding 31-0 victory over previously unbeaten Penn State.
This is the second Rugby East title for the Black Knights (8-0, 6-0), and first since 2015.
The Cadets have been amping it up all week in anticipation for the de-facto title game versus the Nittany Lions (6-1, 3-1).
"Great performance, I think it was a clinical performance," said head coach Matt Sherman. "We adjusted to the conditions really well and committed really well. It was our best performance of the season and definitely worthy of a victory."
Army flexed its muscle early with a try in the seventh minute by Rob Niscior to take the early 7-0 lead. The first half continued to be all Black Knights, with three more tries to take a 24-0 lead into the half.
The Black Knights opened the second half with a Marco Carrabotta try in the 48th minute, and there was no turning back. Stout defense and continued pressure secured the win down the stretch.
"We've got more in front of us that we'll focus on," added Sherman. "Our primary focus is climbing every day and it was great to see us do that today. If we keep doing that, we'll keep getting good results."
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half
7th minute: Try – Rob Niscior; Conversion (Mbony) – Army (Army leads, 7-0)
15th minute: Try – Bailey Abercrombie – Army (Army leads, 12-0)
33rd minute: Try – Andrew Finken – Army (Army leads, 17-0)
39th minute: Try – Matthew Meehan; Conversion (Mbony) – Army (Army leads, 24-0)
Second Half
48th minute: Try – Marco Carrabotta; Conversion (Mbony) – Army (Army leads, 31-0)
ARMY HIGHLIGHTS AND GAME NOTES
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Army's 8-0 record matches the 2014-15 team for the best start in varsity 15s play.
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This is the Black Knights first shutout of the season.
UP NEXT
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Army returns to action Friday, Nov. 2 at home versus Service Academy rival Air Force at 7 p.m.
Players Mentioned
