Madeline Dorobiala
Staff Writer
The Franciscan University’s rugby team defeated John Carroll University 29-19 in their last home game Oct. 12 at 1 p.m.
It was overcast with a slight drizzle before the clouds opened to let the sun out. The Barons started off the first half with powerful offensive possession. The Gators then claimed the ball shortly after and plowed passed the Baron’s defense and scored 7-0.
Anxious to tie the game, senior wing Jonathan Salamida and freshman flyhalf Christopher Ascough fired up the Baron’s defense. The Barons continue to make plays happen toward the middle of the first half.
Sophomore prop Andrew Phelan made a powerful start for the Barons running through the Gators defense which set a great play for the Barons.
There was a great pass from the Barons that allowed Ascough to score. The Barons won their field goal, which allowed them to tie with the Gators 7-7.
The Gators nagged the Barons offense throughout the middle of the first half causing a turnover that would leave the Barons in the dust.
The Barons regained offensive power after a fumble made by the Gators, which allowed them to score and take the lead.
The Barons continued their lead into the second half of the game. The Barons won their field goal and held the lead 22-19 over the Gators.
The Barons had a kickoff, and they plowed through the Gators defense, creating some damage that caused the ball to be kicked out of bounds.
The Barons scrambled after the Gators trying to make plays. Phelan got away with the ball for a period before getting pinned down.
Less than halfway up the field Ascough pushed through the Gators and the Barons scored, bringing their lead to 27-12 after their field goal.
With less than five minutes left of the game, the Barons messed with the Gators plays. At the end of the second half, the Gators won the scrum and broke away from the Barons defense to score. The Barons ultimately won the game with the score of 29-19.
“Defensively, we need to make the initial tackles and not let them break through the gain line and keep our composure throughout the match,” head coach Jason Adams said prior to the game.
With the Barons in the playoffs, their next game will be at home Saturday Oct.19 against John Carroll University for the semifinals. The game time is to be determined.