WHEELING, W.Va. - The Barons Rugby program kicked off their 7's season with a trip to Wheeling University at Wheeling, WV to take part in the friendly Nail City 7's Tournament. While the Barons are off to a late start with the 7's season and many other teams having played a few tournaments already, the young team was finally able to play some live competition. They were in the D3/Developmental bracket. Franciscan returns one starter from last year's #9 nationally ranked sevens team in junior Ben Baska, and with the rest of the roster bereft of experienced 7s players, the remaining seven first year players were tasked with learning how to play 7's in live matches for their first time. Led by freshmen All Conference and Captain Joseph Moleski (Joe Bob), All-Conference Paul Thibault and Chris Ascough, the Barons turned in quite a performance. Going to Wheeling with 8 players, their first match was against Geneva, who kept things close but ultimately, the Barons won 33-0 with Joe Bob's hat trick of tries leading the way. He totaled 23 points in this one. Brendan Lacey and Paul Leerkes also netted the first tries of their 7's career. Next up was Fredonia, and while they gamely put in a good effort, Franciscan rolled to a 55-0 defeat. Chris Ascough led the charge with three tries of his own and with two converted kicks, he finished with 19 points. Ben Baska dotted down once for a score, with Matt Patryn and Paul Thibault also contributing to the try scoring barrage as they collected their first career try in 7's. The Barons headed to the semi-finals against DI Premier Wheeling's second side. In a tougher matchup, the Barons were ready to see how well they could punch up against the Cardinals. Senior Matt Patryn collected three tries as he powered his way through several tacklers on his tries and led the way to a resounding 29-0 win over Wheeling's second side. Baska and Ascough pitched in with a try each. While it may be the reigning DI Premier 7's National champions second side squad, it was a victory that gave the inexperienced Barons much needed seasoning as they look to qualify for CRCs (College Rugby Championship) Nationals. Next up was the championship final against another DI Premier college in St. Bonaventure, who also had their second side entered in the tournament. This time however, their second side was a much more fit and experienced team, having played in three tournaments and given up less than 4 tries total in those tournaments. The Barons were, however, up to the challenge. They took a 7-0 lead on a nifty run by Baska who was upended after scoring his try and the St. Bonaventure player getting a yellow card for his dangerous

tackle. The Bonnies were able to tie it up with a long try against the Barons' youthful and (at this point) exhausted defense. Another long Bonnies' try ended the half at 14-7. The Barons would quickly tie it up when Ascough pulled a pick and go to the weakside and snuck in for the try. Joe Bob nailed the kick after and the score was tied 14-14. After a few ball movements by the Bonnies, they were able to dot the ball down and take the lead for good, going up 21-14 with a few minutes left. The Barons still had a chance to tie it with little time left, but exhaustion and fatigue had set in by this point and a turnover led to the Bonnies scoring their 4th try with no time left. The final score was 26-14. While it was disappointing not to be able to win the D3/Developmental bracket, finishing 3-1 was a resounding start to the 7's season and something to build on as the Barons look to improve all facets of playing 7's.

With little opportunity to play in many tournaments, Franciscan will need to be close to pristine in the remaining two tournaments they are slated to play in. The next tournament is an automatic qualifier at Niagara University on April 5th/April 6th weekend. With 16 teams on the docket, every team will be giving their best effort to get that one AQ spot in Nationals. Then, the Barons will take part in the ARU 7's Championship, which could end up being an at large bid to the winner if the winning team has not sewed up an AQ spot. With 16 spots and 10 AQs in D3, those 6 at large bids will come down to how strong your "resume" is.

Game Recaps

33-0 Vs Geneva (D3)

Franciscan wins 33-0 on the play by freshman Captain Joseph Moleski (Joe Bob) as he led the way with three tries and 4/5 on conversion kicks, finishing with 23 points in the game.

Tries Scored: Joe Bob (3); Brendan Lacey (1); Paul Leerkes (1)

Assists: Joe Bob (1); Brendan (1)

Kicks Converted: Joe Bob 4/5

55-0 vs Fredonia (D3)

The Barons handled things easily in this one with freshman Chris Ascough led the team in points with 19; three tries and two kicks converted. Four other Barons tallied a try.

Tries Scored: Chris Ascough (3); Ben Baska (2); Matt Patryn (1); Paul Leerkes (1); Paul Thibault (1)

Assists: Paul Thibault (2); Joe Bob (1)

Kicks converted: Joe Bob 2/7; Chris Ascough 2/2

29-0 Vs Wheeling Second Side (D1)

A tougher matchup than the first two teams but the results were the same as the Barons pitched their third straight shutout, 29-0. Another hat trick was scored, this time by senior Matt Patryn. Franciscan wins the semi final match and moves on to the final.

Tries scored: Matt Patryn (3); Ben Baska (1); Chris Ascough (1)

Assists: Paul T (2); Joe Bob (1)

Kicks converted: Joe Bob 2/5

14-26 vs St. Bonaventure Second Side (D1)

Franciscan falls to DI Premier St. Bonnies Second side 26-14 in the finals to finish 3-1 on the day. The Barons fought valiantly but with only 8 players dressing up, exhaustion took over in this one. Great effort overall on the day as Franciscan will look towards getting ready for the automatic qualifier at Niagara University.

Tries scored: Ben Baska (1-penalty try); Chris Ascough (1)

Assists: Ascough (1)

Kicks converted: Joe Bob 1/1