PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Despite strong play by the Franciscan rugby team, the Barons fell to hosts Carnegie Mellon, 20-17, in the first regular-season game Wednesday night.

Franciscan did a good job controlling the ball for most of the first half, but the ruggers committed several errors that led to a CMU penalty goal. Franciscan picked up steam after that and senior Jeffery Baldwin got the Barons on the board with a breakaway try.

"The second half was an incredible 40 minutes of rugby," complimented head coach Dan Kramer. "CMU and FUS really gave it their all as the winner of this game decided home-field advantage for the first round of the 3RRC playoffs."

The Barons never backed down from the challenge and battled until the final whistle. Down two tries with less than five minutes to play, Franciscan scored with about 15 seconds left in regulation then put nearly 20 consecutive phases together spanning 80 meters before a knock on stopped play ended the game.

"While we didn't win today, I was really impressed with how they battled."

James Reichert got his first start at hooker and played well. Loren Shillinglaw gave the team 50 great minutes in the scrum which was probably the most powerful the coaches have seen all season.

"It was great to have Jeff Baldwin with the back line again."

Other notable players were Luke Planchet at fly-half and Matthew Hostutler at inside center. The Man of the Match was Josh Leatherby who punched in one try and gave CMU several ferocious hits.

The Barons now prepare for the 3RRC playoffs that begin next week. Franciscan will travel back to Carnegie Mellon on Friday, October 28 for the first round.