Niagara University Rugby
Niagara University Triumphs in Lake Effect Conference Championship
It was a beautiful day Saturday, November 9th, when SUNY Brockport came to Niagara for the Lake Effect Conference Championship. A match that would catapult the winning side into the NCR DIII National Playoffs. With the hope of keeping the men's season moving forward, the match kicked off.
The Purple Eagles did not do themselves many favors with a number of penalties and ball handling errors in the first 10 minutes. This allowed SUNY Brockport to get on the board first with a converted try. Gaining composure and momentum, NU began putting phases together. In the 22nd minute, the pressure would be awarded with Johnny Rizdy '28 crashing over for a try (John Rovente '27 converted the try). With both teams exchanging phases, tackles, turnovers, and penalties, the first half would come to an end at 7-7.
The second half started with the Purple Eagles gaining possession and marching down the field. Earning a 5m scrum, Johnny Rizdy was able to score off an 8-man pick in the 45th minute (Rovente narrowly missed the conversion). The next 30 minutes would see Niagara fighting with their backs against the wall as SUNY Brockport would have possession and territory deep in the NU red zone. At the 75th minute, SUNY Brockport would finally see their pressure pay off with a converted try putting the Purple Eagles behind 12-14 with 5 minutes to go.
With no room for errors, Niagara would gain possession on the kick-off and begin putting their phases together in the SUNY Brockport territory. At the 78th minute, Warojen Armenak '28 would split through the defense only to be stopped short of the try zone. However, due to foul play preventing the try the Purple Eagles would earn a penalty try putting Niagara back in the lead 19-14. SUNY Brockport would regain possession on the kick-off and Niagara was back in a familiar place with their backs against the wall deep inside our red zone. After several goal line stands, the Purple Eagles would earn a penalty on their 5m line. Captain Jaden Cusprinie would tap through the mark and send the ball soaring into to touch to give your Niagara University Men's Rugby the Lake Effect Conference Championship!
The day was full of everything you would want to see in a match with courageous defensive stands, gritty set pieces, and the conference championship coming to Lewiston, NY. With the Lake Effect Conference Championship, the men have earned the opportunity to host Roger Williams University for the first round of the NCR DIII National Playoffs. Kick off is set for 11am on Sunday, November 17 at Niagara University's Rugby Field. We appreciate everyone's support and look forward to forging ahead to the next chapter of the season NATIONAL PLAYOFFS!!!!
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