Last Friday, the University of Michigan Men’s Rugby team defeated visiting Trine University 69-15. Despite falling to Bowling Green in their previous game, the Wolverines played their best game of the season, finding tremendous success on the edge and dominating the set piece battle.
Although Trine opened the game with a quick try, they would go on to be shut out for the rest of the first 40. Luke Zana, one of the Wolverine’s impact players, nearly had a trick in the first half, scoring two tries and driving the team down the field. Fly-half Shea Loughnane, fullback Ty West, and wing Mark Farb also had tries, bringing the first half to a close 45-5.
After putting in a number of substitute players, many making their first A-side appearances, the game slowed down. Trine opened up the second half with a score, only to face another 29 unanswered points. Two more players managed to score tries, including Alex Olsen and Noah Alvarez, bringing the number of unique try scorers to over five. Although Trine managed to dominate the final minutes, playing offense within Michigan’s own half, they couldn’t overcome the tremendous deficit. A try on the final play ended the game 69-15.
With much to be pleased about, the Wolverines prepare for a much-needed bye week, where multiple injured players are expected to finish their recoveries. The Wolverines’ next game will be at Notre Dame University on September 20th.
