Title: Navy Men’s Rugby Team Clinches Thrilling Victory in Inaugural Star Match Against Army
In an electrifying display of skill and determination, the Navy men’s rugby team triumphed over their rivals, Army, with a sensational 23-21 win in the inaugural men’s rugby Star Match. This victory extends Navy’s winning streak against Army to four matches, solidifying their dominance in this historic rivalry.
The highly anticipated game was part of the Army-Navy Star Series presented by USAA, where both teams battled fiercely for bragging rights. In a nail-biting finish that had fans on the edge of their seats, Navy’s star player, Krieger, made the biggest penalty kick of his collegiate career to secure the win in extended time.
This victory marks the second Star win for Navy this season, following the men’s cross country team. Navy’s director of rugby expressed the significance of this long-standing rivalry, emphasizing its impact on determining the outcome of the match.
Army took an early 7-0 lead in the 6th minute with a try and conversion kick, putting Navy in a challenging position. However, Navy fought back, displaying their resilience and determination. They scored 17 points in the first half, allowing them to take a 10-point lead into halftime.
Contributing significantly to the team’s success, Krieger racked up an impressive 13 points for Navy, securing the win with three penalty kicks and two conversion kicks. Additionally, Russell and Schmitz scored crucial tries for Navy during the match, further boosting their chances of victory.
This win pushed Navy’s varsity history against Army to an unblemished record of 4-0, signifying their dominance over their rivals. Moreover, Navy’s undefeated fall season remains intact, with an impressive 29-0 record since being elevated to varsity status.
Throughout the season, Navy outscored their Rugby East opponents by an impressive margin of 287-77, and their stellar defense allowed a league-low 11 points per match against conference foes. Notably, Navy is the only team to defeat renowned teams like Life and Notre Dame College during the fall slate.
The thrilling victory against Army showcased Navy’s ability to excel under immense pressure, highlighting their dynamic team spirit and tenacity. Krieger’s outstanding performance has propelled him to 150 points scored in the fall season, inching closer to the team record for most points scored in a single season. In fact, Krieger topped the Rugby East conference in scoring with an impressive 113 points during the fall season. Furthermore, Krieger tied his own record for the most penalty kicks made in a game by a Navy player.
Navy’s success is not limited to individual players, as Russell has consistently scored tries in three-straight matches and has racked up six tries against conference opponents this season. Similarly, Schmitz has been a pivotal player during his senior campaign, scoring six tries.
With their resounding victory, Navy secures their second-straight undefeated fall season, further solidifying their position as a powerhouse in men’s college rugby. Their exemplary performance in the Star Match exhibits their unwavering commitment to excellence and their ability to rise to extraordinary challenges.
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