Slippery Rock, Pa. - Franciscan ventured to Slippery Rock (SRU) over the weekend to face off nationally ranked #3 Slippery Rock in a showdown for ARU Collegiate standings. Both teams had identical records 3-1 overall and 1-0 conference. The winner of the match would be in sole possession of first place and with it, a likely #1 seed and hosting a home match in the first round of the ARU playoffs on October 19th. The skies were blue, the leaves changing color, the hits were hard and furious as per usual for a match like this.

SRU kicked things off and were able to force a turnover and scored the game's first try. With the missed conversion, the Rock was up 5-0. Both teams traded possession of the ball for the next five minutes or so, with SRU capitalizing on a few calls to take a 10-0 lead. Franciscan was able to battle back and scored on a try of their own when Christopher Ascough took a pick and go 40 meters up the field and offloaded to Joseph Moleski-JoeBob, who then offloaded to Brendan Lacey where the Barons were able to set up an attack and William Shaifer, Sawyer, was able to pick the ball and dive in for the try. Joseph Beckman pushed the kick wide and the score was 10-5. The game continued in that fashion for most of the way with SRU getting another try before the end of the half and with the converted kick, up their lead to 17-5.

The first half saw three starters for Franciscan bow out with injuries, putting some stress on their depth for the remainder of the match. After a spirited halftime talk, Franciscan played better in the second half, never giving up and working to get the win.

SRU was able to move the ball down the field with penalties and scored a try off a miscue with the scrum, furthering their lead to 24-5. The Barons started to buckle down and get in a groove and played solid defense and moved the ball. They were able to advance the ball and scored a try, once again, by Sawyer Shaifer. The converted kick was made by Ascough, and the score was 24-12. SRU tacked on another try and made the kick after to bump their lead up to 31-12. The Barons kept plugging away and Nick Patryn ran a pick and go and scored the try with Ascough converting the kick after inching the Barons closer at 31-19. Slippery Rock was able to pad their lead with two more tries as the inexperienced Barons started to show their youthfulness, upping the score to 43-19. In the last 12 minutes, the Barons were able to keep their composure and moved the ball up the field, with Brendan Lacey taking the ball and posting it down for a try. Ascough converted the tough kick to make it 43-26. Then Ascough corralled a pass and made an absolute stunner of a run, sidestepping a few defenders and fending off others as he took the ball 60 meters for a try and the kick after from the corner was nailed by Ascough, as the final whistle sounded and the Barons took the defeat 43-33. It was Ascough's 5th straight match with a try scored. Slippery Rock's skilled and seasoned players played well and earned their team the win. The Barons toughed it out and will use the experience to get right for their next ARU clash against John Carroll on Saturday.

Sawyer Shaifer was named Golden Player of the Match with his two tries and non-stop work ethic to disrupt the Rock's rhythm, while captain Liam Phelan was named Dawg of the match with his tackling and running prowess. The second side team turned in a phenomenal performance in a 10's match against SRU's second side, outscoring them on the scoring sheet. Finn Ahearn was named Player of the match his several tries scored and tackling, and John Paul Treece turned in a good outing to orchestrate the guys and make plays. They may have played themselves into a spot on the team's 23 for next week.

Next up
Next up on the slate, #14 John Carrol comes to Steubenville on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. with a home playoff spot on the line. Both teams will face each other in the first round of playoffs on October 19th but this weekend's match will determine who gets to host. Winner will host the other team for the first round. Slippery Rock will finish as the first seed on the heels of wins against Franciscan and John Carroll.

Men's Rugby ID Camp
Franciscan Men's Rugby is excited to offer a Prospect Camp for aspiring college athletes on Sunday, November 17th. The camp is open to athletes entering 9th-12th grade this Fall. Participants will have the opportunity to receive training from the men's rugby coaching staff, as well as interact with current players. Campers will participate in a typical Franciscan training session and gain an understanding of the competitive and challenging environment of collegiate athletics. For more information click here

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