Susquehanna came into the match with a handful of crucial starters out with injury including captain,
Sean McPherson '23,
Chris Kirwin '23 and
Gabe Peachey '23. Despite the key starters being out, Susquehanna was not looking to have a repeat of last year where Bucknell won-handedly 47-15. Susquehanna came into the game ranked #14 nationally in Small College Division of National Collegiate Rugby. Bucknell was ranked just outside of the top 20 in Division 2 by NCR.
The newly appointed captain,
Jacob Tomasulo '23, was able to open the scoring 15 minutes into the game by being awarded a penalty try after being illegally tackled by the last defender of Bucknell. Susquehanna quickly scored again 4 minutes later as Mason Brandt '23 broke tackles left and right and was able to scamper into the try zone for 5 points with a missed conversion by
Robert Lelli '25. The remainder of the first half was hard fought but neither side could find the try zone, leaving Susquehanna with a 12-0 lead going into the half.
With Bucknell receiving the kick in the second half they maintained possession until they scored just 6 minutes into the second half. With the conversion made after the try, the score was 12-7. It didn't remain that way for long as Bucknell broke through and got a breakaway leading to a game-tying score. Bucknell had the chance to take the lead if they converted the kick but it was missed wide right, leaving the score knotted up at 12 and Susquehanna on the back foot.
Susquehanna was able to get a foot hold back in the game after maintaining possession and kicking deep to back Bucknell up in their own end. After a series of penalties awarded against Bucknell, Susquehanna seized the opportunity to go for goal. Despite Lelli missing a few kick opportunities in the first half, the team had all the confidence in their new Fly-Half as he drilled the kick from just outside the 22 meter line. This gave Susquehanna a three-point lead at 15-12 that they would go and hang onto until the final whistle.
With the squad raising the Bisonader Cup and victorious on the day they look to celebrate the win and come back next week to maintain a perfect record at 3-0 against D2 competition. The team looks on to next week against Bloomsburg after a crucial victory this week.
