Rugby Drops Close Match in Penn Mutual Quarterfinals
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Arkansas State University’s hopes for a national championship were dashed Sunday morning with a narrow 12-0 loss to Lindenwood University in the quarterfinals of the 2017 Penn Mutual 7s Collegiate Rugby Championship.
“I’m happy with the season and the hard work the players put in this year,” said second-year head coach Shaun Potgieter. “I’m excited for next year. We have a lot of talent coming in the fall.”
A-State advanced to the quarterfinals after winning pool play Saturday. The Red Wolves defeated Notre Dame, 22-7, in the first match, followed with a 21-12 victory over Wisconsin in the second game. A-State and longtime foe Life University tied, 19-19, in the final game of the day’s pool play.
Arkansas State was able to move on by leading in the point difference from pool play to face Lindenwood, a familiar opponent throughout the regular season.
Lindenwood struck first with a try and conversion. The first half ended with Arkansas State narrowly missing a try to tie the match, leaving Lindenwood ahead at the break. In the second half, the Red Wolves played strong on defense, despite having Nick Abreus out of play with a penalty. In the tenth minute, Arkansas State was able to hold off a Lindenwood try. Late in the second half, the Lions scored another try to give LU the win and a berth in the semifinals.
The University of California captured its sixth consecutive sevens CRC title by defeating Life University, 19-0 in the final.
