On Saturday, Oct. 31, the Robert Morris men’s rugby team defeated the Fairmont State University Fighting Falcons in a tremendous match. The win advanced the team’s overall record to 8-0 in the season and 1-0 in the playoffs.

To start the match off, the Colonials received the ball via kick. The first try of the match belonged to Robert Morris as senior Jeremy Basinger scored within the first few minutes of the match. The extra point was made for two and the Colonials led 7-0. The next try of the match was scored by RMU senior Dan Walizer with the extra point conversion missed, making the score 12-0.

The Colonials continued the scoring session with Cody Redmond converting a try, and the two-point conversion made the score 19-0. The final try of the first half was scored by junior Jacob Wiskeman, who was also successful in making the two-point conversion.

Wiskeman increased the lead to 26-0 as the Colonials held the Fighting Falcons down to conclude the first half.

The opening of the second half saw the Fighting Falcons score their only try in the match, while missing the two-point conversion, to barely put a dent in RMU’s lead, 26-5. Walizer added another try to his list for the Colonials, but he missed the two-point conversion to push the lead back to 26.

Junior Jake Dufford would score his first try of the match for the Colonials, but he also missed the two-point conversion, extending Robert Morris’ lead, 36-5.

Wiskeman scored his second and the final try for the Colonials against the Fighting Falcons. The two-point conversion was not successful, but RMU won its first playoff match of the season with the final score of 41-5.

“Very happy and excited to be in the final for the third year in a row,” said coach Shawn Crago when asked how he felt about the victory over Fairmont State.

The Colonials are looking to return to the championships once again this year.