Jesuit Rugby Falls to Midshipmen of Navy
ANNAPOLIS, M.D. – The Wheeling Jesuit Cardinals cleared the ice out of their veins in their first match of the spring season, falling to the US Naval Academy's JV squad 26-10.
It was the first time the Cardinals have seen green grass so far during this harsh winter, having been confined indoors since returning to campus in January.
As a result, WJU suffered a plethora of handling and execution errors on attack, not moving the ball with their usual ease, and cramping their running lines.
Defensively, the Cardinals were able to keep the bigger, stronger Midshipmen at bay for much of the match. However, the inability to string together much in the way of offensive pressure resulted in WJU playing under pressure for most of the day.
"The guys showed a lot of heart, but it was obvious we were rusty," said WJU head Coach
Eric Jerpe. "We've been buried under a foot of snow all spring, and just haven't been able to hold a proper training session. This was a great game for us to shake off the rust and set a mark of where we want to be."
The Cardinals were held scoreless for much of the game, with the Navy forwards able to control the pace of the game with a physical and methodical attack, typical of service academy teams. Navy starved WJU of any useful ball, and compiled a 26-0 lead with 20 minutes to play.
WJU wasn't going to roll over and die however. The Cards got on the scoreboard when outside center
Luke Titus laid down a grubber kick for speedster
Brandon Stine to chase behind the Navy defense. Stine scooped up the ball and dove over the first try of the game for the visitors.
After the ensuing kickoff, the Cardinals struck again on virtually the exact same play when the Navy back three were playing up, and Titus kicked ahead again for Stine to outpace everyone for another well worked try.
The Cardinals return to action next Saturday when they face the Clemson Tigers in Charlotte, N.C. as the featured college match of the North Carolina Ruggerfest High School Tournament.
