Wheeling, W. Va. - In week two of Big Rivers Rugby Conference (BRRC) play, the Wheeling University Rugby team (2-2, 1-1) suffered their first ever BRRC loss at the hands of Thomas More. This week, they look to bounce back in conference play as they head to Indianapolis, Indiana, for a meeting with Marian University at 1 PM. The Cardinals look to get back to their high-powered offensive game as they open another BRRC rivalry.
Last weekend, Wheeling went on the road to face Thomas More in Crestview Hills, Kentucky and, after a strong start, were unable to keep things going on the pitch. The first try of the day came courtesy of Rua Karimazondo and the Cardinals were out to an early 5-0 lead after the missed conversion kick. Thomas More responded, also missing their conversion kick, and on the Cardinal's second possession Joe Iye scored and converted the kick to give Wheeling a 12-5 lead halfway through the first. However, that would be the Cardinals final try of the day as Thomas More scored 35 unanswered points. The Saints led 26-12 at halftime and extended their lead to 40-12 by the game's end to hand Wheeling their first conference loss of the year.
Rua Karimazondo continues his successful fall season by scoring his second try of the year and getting the offense out to a strong start. Karimazondo scored one of his team's three tries in the opener against Queens but has struggled to get across the try line since. The sophomore spent time on the Zimbabwe National team this offseason and is using some of those skills to help his success on the pitch. He uses his speed and elusiveness to get down the sidelines and looks to add to an already potent Cardinal lineup that has averaged 28.5 points per game this season.
Usually, a leader in the kicking game, Joe Iye, has gotten involved in the offense over the last two games and kept that going. He scored his third try of the year, tying him for the team lead, with all three of those tries coming since the start of BRRC play. In the kicking game, Iye went 1-2 on the day, converting the kick that came after his try. Iye is one of the veteran leaders of this team and the fact that he is getting involved in the offensive gameplan more is a good sign for the team as they continue through their BRRC schedule.
Saturday's game will be only the sixth BRRC game of the season, with the Cardinals playing in three of the first six games. Adrian College and Thomas More are tied for the second most conference games played with two apiece and Thomas More is currently the conference leader at 2-0. The Cardinals are a game behind Thomas More and are looking to get a half game closer with the game this weekend. With five more conference games ahead of them, there is still time for Wheeling to catch up and they look to take advantage of every opportunity they have on the pitch this season.
The Matchup
The Cardinals and Knights are meeting for the first time in program history as the Cardinals look to begin their BRRC rivalry on the right note. Marian has played three games so far this season and has gone 1-2, including a 0-2 mark in their two BRRC contests. Last time out, Marian took on BRRC opponent Adrian College and had a close match that ended in a 27-26 Adrian College advantage. Wheeling will look to get out to a fast start and hold the momentum the rest of the way.
The Details
Kick-off for Saturday's BRRC matchup is scheduled for 1 PM at St. Vincent Field on the campus of Marian University. Follow along with wucardinals.com for updates and a full game recap following the match.
