STEUBENVILLE – The Franciscan rugby team rolled to a 44-10 win over Fairmont State to open 3RRC action, Saturday afternoon.

Fairmont State took an early lead with a quick try but missed conversion to take a 5-0 lead.

The Barons wouldn't allow that lead to stand as Luke Planchett scored the first try for the Barons 25 minutes to play in the first half to tie the game. Matthew Hostutler gave FUS its first lead at 20:55 and the Barons never looked back. Jimmy Kueber shuffed the ball to Hostutler who dove in the tryzone for the score.

Zach Barnes broke away broke away from an ensuing scrum for a 50-yard run and try at the 18 minute mark to push the Baron lead to 15-5. Nicholas Vicinanzo scored back-to-back tries with eight and three minutes to go to push FUS' lead to 25-5. Hostutler converted the conversion to give the Barons a 27-5 lead at halftime.

The Barons were awarded a penalty try with 28 to play in the second half and scored twice more to take a commanding 44-5 lead with less than two minutes to play.

Fairmont State scored its second try of the game under the two minute mark to bring the score to its final, 44-10.

The Barons face Grove City next Friday at 8pm.