Charlotte, NC. – As they begin their first season of play in a Division I Rugby conference, the Wheeling University Rugby team (0-1, 0-0) is preparing with tough non-conference action. They began their two game stretch of non-conference action on Saturday when they faced Queens University. They made a late charge in the second half, scoring 19 points, but it wasn't enough as they fell 22-19 in their season opening match.

The day started slow for the Cardinals as they were held at bay through the first 40 minutes of play. Meanwhile, Queens College got off to a fast start, scoring a try early in the first half to take a 7-0 lead. They added a three-point kick two drives later to make it 10-0 before the Cardinals defense dug in. They were able to hold them there through the first half and went into the locker room down 10-0. Being that it was there first game of the year, Head Coach Mike Geibel expected mistakes. However, being that Queens is a strong Division I opponent, they capitalized on those mistakes, putting them ahead on the scoreboard.

"We made some mistakes, as this is our first match of the season, and top level teams like Queens will punish you for it," said Wheeling University Head Rugby Coach Mike Geibel. "We'll work to fix those over the next week and get back on track."

However, as the second half began the tides began to turn as Wheeling's offense got going. Queens would score the first try of the second half to go up 17-0, but Wheeling would respond for their first try of the season. Krishna Kwenda would cross the goal line for his first collegiate try and Ayoub Jalli completed the conversion kick that made it a 17-7 game. On the very next possession, Rua Karimazondo would score his first try of the season and Jalli was back at it with another conversion kick that made it a 17-14 contest. However, Queens University would add one more try that made it a 22-14 game late in the second half. Wheeling would cross the goal line one more time as Mohamed Haddar scored gus first try of the year. The conversion kick failed and the score sat at 22-19. Unfortunately, that would be the final try for the Cardinals as time ran out and they fell 22-19.

Three different Cardinals scored tries on the day, and the Cardinals would outscore the Royals 19-12 in the second half as they got their offense going. Geibel was proud of his team's fight and looks to use it next week.

"I'm proud of the way our guys fought to the end," said Geibel. "This is a big result even though it's a loss because it shows that we can play with anyone."

The Wheeling University Rugby team returns to action on Saturday, September 10th when they host University of Mary Washington at Bishop Schmitt Field at 1 PM.