Army West Point Athletics
Saturday, March 15
Berkeley, Calif.
1:00 PM PT / 4:00 PM ET
Army West Point
19
at
24
California
Men’s Rugby Edged at California
March 15, 2025 | Men's Rugby
BERKELEY, Calif. – Army West Point Men's Rugby attempted to mount a second half comeback, but would fall 24-19 at the California Golden Bears on Saturday.
In a matchup between two proud programs competing as varsity sports at their respective institutions, the Black Knights would fall behind 17-7 before halftime, but twice scored tries in the second half to cut it to a one-possession match.
However, the Black Knights couldn't inch closer in the first game of their two-match spring break swing on the West Coast.
Facing a 12-0 deficit 26 minutes into the fixture, George Engels scored a try for Army followed by a Howard Heller conversion, putting the Black Knights within five.
Noah Sanchez scored six minutes into the second half to make it a 17-12 match. After the Bears extended their cushion to 24-12 with 26 minutes to play, Jacob Bottarini scored a try followed by Heller's second conversion of the match with 13 minutes remaining on the clock.
Army moves to 10-2 overall in 2024-25 with one match remaining in the regular season.
Coach's Corner
"I was proud of our boys' commitment. This is the hardest of places to win, and while we were gutted not to do enough to finish in the end, we almost did enough. There lots we can build on, as well as great lessons to improve on as we move forward," said head coach Matt Sherman.
Cadets' Corner
"Not what we wanted at all. Time to learn our lessons and improve. This was not our best performance of the season but we're nowhere close to what we're capable of. On to the next," said Bottarini.
Next Up
Army concludes its regular season Wednesday at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. Kickoff is set for 4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT.
Follow the Black Knights
Follow Army Men's Rugby on X @ArmyWP_MRugby and on Instagram @armywp_rugby. Fans can also like Army West Point Athletics on Facebook and learn more about baseball and other programs at goarmywestpoint.com.
In a matchup between two proud programs competing as varsity sports at their respective institutions, the Black Knights would fall behind 17-7 before halftime, but twice scored tries in the second half to cut it to a one-possession match.
However, the Black Knights couldn't inch closer in the first game of their two-match spring break swing on the West Coast.
Facing a 12-0 deficit 26 minutes into the fixture, George Engels scored a try for Army followed by a Howard Heller conversion, putting the Black Knights within five.
Noah Sanchez scored six minutes into the second half to make it a 17-12 match. After the Bears extended their cushion to 24-12 with 26 minutes to play, Jacob Bottarini scored a try followed by Heller's second conversion of the match with 13 minutes remaining on the clock.
Army moves to 10-2 overall in 2024-25 with one match remaining in the regular season.
Coach's Corner
"I was proud of our boys' commitment. This is the hardest of places to win, and while we were gutted not to do enough to finish in the end, we almost did enough. There lots we can build on, as well as great lessons to improve on as we move forward," said head coach Matt Sherman.
Cadets' Corner
"Not what we wanted at all. Time to learn our lessons and improve. This was not our best performance of the season but we're nowhere close to what we're capable of. On to the next," said Bottarini.
Next Up
Army concludes its regular season Wednesday at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. Kickoff is set for 4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT.
Follow the Black Knights
Follow Army Men's Rugby on X @ArmyWP_MRugby and on Instagram @armywp_rugby. Fans can also like Army West Point Athletics on Facebook and learn more about baseball and other programs at goarmywestpoint.com.
Players Mentioned
Hooker
/ Men's Rugby
Lock
/ Men's Rugby
Scrumhalf
/ Men's Rugby
Fullback
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