Christendom’s rugby team began their spring 7s season in exciting fashion this past weekend, defeating four out of five teams to finish as runners-up in the University of Richmond Men’s Rugby 7s Tournament. Up in Pennsylvania, the women’s basketball team fought hard against USCAA DII Penn State Mont Alto, ultimately defeating them 53-40 for their sixteenth win of the season.
Following up on their undefeated regular 15s season in the fall, the men’s rugby team got back to work this past Saturday, beginning their spring rugby 7s season down at the University of Richmond. The team took on James Madison University’s development squad first to start the tournament, blanking them 43-0. Matthew Westin led the way with three tries, with John Kennedy, Chris Usher, Joe Madigan, and Joe Kokes also picking up tries in the rout.
The second pool play game against Radford went the same way — another shut out, this time 28-0. Christendom’s sterling defense held back the Radford offense, with Kennedy, Chris Santschi, and Westin all scoring tries for Christendom. The final game of pool play against Hampden-Sydney proved to be a tougher matchup at first, with the teams finishing the first half 14-5. Christendom took over from there however, with Andrew Mead, Andrew Krolick, and David Foeckler also powering Christendom to a 33-10 win and pushing them into the semifinal match.
Christendom took on the tournament hosts, the University of Richmond, and quickly found themselves down for the first time on Saturday, trailing Richmond 0-7 early. Kokes got Christendom on the board, with Krolick giving them the 12-7 lead going into the half. Krolick took over and had a game from there, putting up two more tries in the second half to give Christendom a 29-7 semifinal win — and a shot at the tournament trophy in the final against Georgetown. The team finally met their match in the final, however, with Georgetown narrowly winning 15-7.
The team will next take on Duke University and others in another 7s tournament next Saturday, February 25.
Meanwhile on the road, the women’s basketball team entered their final stretch of the season, falling for only the fourth time this season against Washington Adventist on Monday before bouncing back with a 76-45 win over Trinity on Wednesday. On Saturday, the team traveled to Pennsylvania to take on Penn State Mont Alto on their Senior Day, looking to play spoiler against the Nittany Lions. Christendom plowed ahead early, going up 36-16 by the end of the first half. Penn State Mont Alto fought back hard in the second, however, outscoring Christendom 24-17, but it was not enough. Christendom ultimately won 53-40, their sixteenth win of the season.
Catherine Thomas, the USCAA leader in total points, led the team with a 16-11 double-double, while Miranda Keller led the team in rebounds with 19.
The team will start the final week of their season on Monday night, taking on Patrick Henry at home for Senior Night.
For more information, visit christendomathletics.com.