The Franciscan Rugby team hosted NCR D3 #1 Ranked Slippery Rock over the weekend. The Barons came into the matchup ranked #8 themselves and looked to match Slippery Rock's physicality and toughness. With the ARU's first place seed on the line, and a bye week rewarded to the winner, Franciscan did just that. Both teams have been stellar on defense during the fall season, with neither team giving up more than 10 points, outside of their common opponent D2 #1 IUP.

It was a slugfest from the opening whistle to the final whistle. Coach Jason Adams, a Slippery Rock alumnus himself, stressed to the team the importance of staying calm all week and not making the game any bigger than it already was, and to focus on yourself and what you can do in trainings. The lads have been champing at the bit all week for the showdown, knowing they needed to match SRU's physical style of play and slow down their backline. Franciscan focused on timely defense and staying calm throughout the match. They managed not to panic when things weren't working out on penalty calls against them and stayed composed. The Barons scored first, with Luke Lang (Lex) taking an offload from Joseph Moleski (Joe Bob) off the lineout and knifing his way through the Rock's defense and dove in for the match's first points. Christopher Ascough easily kicked the conversion through the post for a 7-0 score three minutes into the match. It would be a while before either team scored. Both teams had possession of the ball throughout the first half, with each team spending time inside their opponent's 22, but neither team came away with points. Late in the first half, Franciscan turned the ball over deep inside the Rock's 22, nearly getting an opportunity for another score but the ball was poked away, and the Rock took control of the ball. They attempted a kick out of their end but Samuel King, blocked the kick and Paul Leerkes was able to outrace the defense to coral the loose ball in the try zone and touched it down. Ascough pushed the ball a bit wide and Franciscan went into halftime with a 12-0 lead.

The Barons knew they needed to put more points on the board because Slippery Rock can score in bunches at any time. The Rock committed an infraction inside their 22 and the Barons decided to get the points and Ascough cleanly kicked the ball through and bumped their lead up to 15. Both teams continued to slug it out, with each team giving no quarter to the other. Slippery Rock was able to execute a pick and go and scored a try and with the kick conversion good, cut the lead to 15-7. It would be the final score of the match as the whistle sounded, and the Barons pulled off the upset.

Joe Bob Moleski was named Player of the Match with his leadership in controlling the team's emotions and directing the attack as well as timely tackling. Sam King was named the DAWG of the match with his quick defense, tackles, and contribution on the block kick, which led to the second try that ended up being the match winner. The Barons will finish the season in first place and earn a first-round bye. They will host Kent State on Saturday October 18th with a noon time kickoff and then enjoy a bye week on October 25th. They will host a semifinal match on November 1st for a spot in the ARU championship, where it is very likely they will face off against Slippery Rock. The Rock played a very tough, physical match with their punishing runs and tackling. They will still be a dangerous team in the playoffs. The Barons wish them good luck moving forward and thank them for providing a thriller of a match!!

Tries: Lex Lang (1); Paul Leerkes (1)

Conversion kicks: Ascough (1/2)

Penalty kicks: Ascough (1/1)

Stay Connected 
Be sure to follow Franciscan University on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for the most in-depth coverage of Franciscan Athletics.