Rugby ends regular season with unblemished record
Karen Signoracci
STAFF REPORTER
The UD men’s rugby team emerged victorious again Friday at Founders Field, defeating Ohio Northern University 65-5.
With the win the squad upped its season record to 8-0.
"The game was a great ending to an excellent, undefeated season," senior Dave Ristaino said.
Ristaino, senior Matt Orso, and freshman Chuck Dedee each led the team with three scores apiece.
The team has been dominant all year. Their combined margin of victory over opponents is 383-49.
Ristaino credits the team’s mind-set for their overwhelming success.
"Our motto for the season has been heart and intensity." Ristaino said.
Junior Ameet Srivastava admitted the team’s margin of victory is important for a number of reasons.
"A lot of our younger guys were in the game and stepped up and did the job" Srivastava said.
"This is good and provides depth for the tournament next weekend."
With the team’s impressive regular season play comes reward. They head into the eight-team Ohio tournament Saturday as the top seed.
"We have a lot of confidence going into the tournament," Ristaino said.
Friday’s game was the final preparation before the tournament next weekend in Columbus.
The tournament will feature teams from Wright State University, Marshall, University of Ashland, John Carroll University, Wittenberg University, Ohio Wesleyan University and Xavier University.
The team has been working hard to reach their goals.
"We think we have a really good chance of making it to nationals," Srivastava said. "This is one of the better teams I’ve seen in a couple of years."