written by: Coach Matt Heavens

The Neumann University Men's Rugby Club (1-1) traveled to Lewisburg, PA on Saturday, September 22 to face Mid-Atlantic Rugby Conference (MARC) division-rival Bucknell University (2-0).The Bison topped the Neumann side 31-12.

The shorthanded Knights dressed seventeen players against a well-manned Bison side that had a roster of fifty plus players. Bucknell put up an early try for a 5-0 lead they would carry into the half. Neumann had their chances using steady phase play for numerous forays deep into Bucknell territory. Freshman Connor Gilden and sophmore AJ DelleMonache led a ferocious attack setting up punishing runs led by Captain Santino D'Angelo, Nick Fallows and freshman Dan Dumas. Unfortunately, however, the club came up just short of the try line to end the half.

In the early minutes of the second half, Neumann pulled within 12-5 on a try from Fallows. Bucknell was able to cash in on three quick trys on a depleted NU side, before Fallows added a second try and a Gliden conversion to round out the scoring. Forwards Emerson Phillips and Gaetano Quintliani played stellar defense for the Neumann squad with a number of tackles at the gain line.

The club next heads to Reading, PA to square-off versus Albright College on Saturday, September 29. Kick-off is slated for 1pm.