Wheeling, WVa. – Jesuit Rugby scored nine tries by nine different players as the Cardinals defeated Iona College 56-7 on a sunny afternoon on the pitch of Bishop Schmitt Field. 
 
The Cardinals had a total team effort where most scores were the result of multiple players' efforts and great support play. WJU dominated possession and the scoreboard with Iona's lone score coming off an interception at the 50.
 
Despite the score, Iona played a hard-nosed style, made many physical tackles, and never backed down. The Wheeling Jesuit forwards were aggressive and tenacious on both sides of the ball as they dominated their opposition.
 
The WJU backs were expansive, creative, and played sideline to sideline as they unleashed a potent lineup of young and old.  WJU was able to use all its reserve players and maintain momentum.  Every player from number 1 to 23 on Jesuit's roster contributed to the dominating victory, each making his case to be in the starting lineup.
 
"Today's game is the first time we played together as a team.  Finally, our players are starting to trust each other to fulfill their responsibilities on the field and we came away with a big win," stated Head Coach Eric Jerpe.
 
It is extremely rare to see nine different players score nine different tries in a Rugby match.  The following is a running score of today's match:
 

Time            Team              Type                           Player                                                Score
2:00             WJU                 Try                              Peter Malcolm                       WJU 5  Iona 0
                     WJU                 Conversion                Allan Hanson                         WJU 7  Iona 0
8:00             WJU                 Try                              Ryan Maguire                        WJU 12  Iona 0
                     WJU                 Conversion                Allan Hanson                         WJU 14  Iona 0
12:00           IONA               Try                              Michael Marro                         WJU 14  Iona 5
                     IONA               Conversion                Michael Marro                         WJU 14  Iona 7
13:00           WJU                 Try                              Connor Gutman                     WJU 19  Iona 7
26:00           WJU                 Try                              Ryan Graggs                          WJU 24  Iona 7
                     WJU                 Conversion                Allan Hanson                          WJU 26  Iona 7
44:00           WJU                 Penalty Kick               Allan Hanson                          WJU 29  Iona 7
46:00           WJU                 Try                              Inosi Kau                                WJU 34  Iona 7
                     WJU                 Conversion                Allan Hanson                          WJU 36  Iona 7
59:00           WJU                 Try                              Julian Santana                        WJU 41  Iona 7
65:00           WJU                 Try                              Zachery Reichenbach            WJU 46  Iona 7
72:00           WJU                 Try                              Jamie Barlow                         WJU 51  Iona 7
75:00           WJU                 Try                              Brandon Stine                        WJU 56  Iona 7         
 
On the B Side, Wheeling Jesuit was also victorious going away.  WJU won on the B Side 66-25.
 
The Cardinals can be proud of their performance today, but must realize that there is a huge test on the horizon.  Jesuit will take on #3 ranked Kutztown University next Saturday, September 27^th at 6:00 pm on the pitch of Bishop Schmitt Field.