Franciscan Rugby took to the road once again for a win or go home scenario. They traveled back to Butler, PA for a matchup against #9 Susquehanna. Both teams lost their conference championships, but they had one more chance to redeem themselves and win a spot to the Sweet 16.

On another windy day, the Barons received the kick and after a few phases turned the ball over. Susquehanna was able to capitalize on the error and scored the first try of the match. It was 7-0 after they made the kick conversion. The lead wouldn't last long as the Barons righted the ship and was able to move the ball as they got into Susquehanna's end of the field. Samuel King executed a pick and go and dotted the ball down for the Baron's first try. It would not be the last we hear on King. Kicking into the wind, Nathanael Bateman was wide on his kick conversion attempt and the Barons had to settle for a 7-5 deficit. After several back and forth possessions for both teams, the Barons once again were knocking on the door for points and King again, powered through for his second try and with Bateman's clean kick conversion, the Barons took the lead at 12-7. Susquehanna was able to counter with a Barons turnover and tied up the match at 12-all with a try and missed conversion. As the half neared its end, the Barons pace started to pick up. Kicking and moving the ball down the pitch turned the tide toward the Barons as Dominic Grecol was able to pick the ball at the ruck and deftly dove into the try zone for 5 points and Bateman slightly missed the kick after, but the lead for the Barons was now 17-12. The Barons again moved the ball down the pitch and had an ample opportunity to end the half with points but fumbled their chance with no time left in the half.

At the start of the second half, the Barons did not let the wasted opportunity affect them as they quickly won the restart kick and worked the ball feverishly and Grecol made a nice offload to King, who was in support, and King got his hat trick as he dotted down the try. Christopher Ascough nailed the conversion kick, and the Barons extended their lead to 24-12. This would turn out to be the game winner as the Barons had to stave off two separate yellow cards-each about 10 minutes apart, meaning the Barons played short-handed for the last 20 minutes of the match. They played excellent defense, denying Susquehanna's chances to score two tries to win. Susquehanna was able to finally score a try and kick conversion late in the second half to creep closer but it was too little too late. Franciscan won 24-19 and punched their ticket to the Big Dance as a Sweet 16 participant.

Susquehanna played tough and valiantly until the final whistle and were a great opponent. King was named Golden Man of the Match with his three tries and stifling defense. Abraham Schmeissing, fighting off the flu, played with dignity and passion throughout the match, making tackles and providing support with his runs.

After a year hiatus from playing in the Sweet 16, the Barons are back in the fold and will travel to Rock Hill, SC in the South Regionals. They will face off against VMI, the current #1 team in NCR DIII, at 1pm on Saturday November 22nd. A win there will see them move on to the Elite 8 on Sunday November 23rd against the winner of Duke and Catholic University for a spot in the Final Four at Nationals. It will be a test of will and perseverance for the Baron lads as they look to continue their march to Houston, where Nationals are being held.

Tries: King (3); Grecol (1)

Assists: Grecol (1)

Kick conversions: Bateman (1/3); Ascough (1/1)

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