Women’s Rugby

The UCSD women’s rugby team split a pair of hard-fought games this weekend. On Saturday it fell to the University of Arizona, but on Sunday regrouped to down Arizona State University.

UCSD was confident heading into the tilt against the University of Arizona. It did hold strong during the first half behind excellent play by Ali Ref. The defense also held strong for UCSD, and things looked good heading into halftime.

The second half was a bit different. Injuries have plagued UCSD recently, which was missing six players during that game, and it caught up with the team. That, combined with a strong Arizona defense, kept the UCSD offense at bay. The UCSD defense tired out late in the game, allowing Arizona to get the upper edge.

This is only Arizona’s second year with a women’s rugby program, but it has proved to be legit.

Things were different against Arizona State, but UCSD had reason to be nervous heading into the game. It has had only one successful try against that squad. This all changed Sunday.

UCSD was victorious 16-12.

The offense played as a whole, striking Arizona State with some deadly scores. Tiffany Torres and Abby George were both successful at scoring tries. Even on the kicking end, with which UCSD has struggled as of late, the team did well. Tina Evangelou and Nene Britt both had successful days.

UCSD still has an opportunity to win the league if it beats Arizona the next time it faces the team, and if it downs UCSB. UCSB comes to pay a visit Sunday at Warren field at 11 a.m.

Men’s Rugby

The UCSD men’s rugby team had a barn burner of a game last weekend at UCLA, winning by the narrow margin of 25-24.

The score was supposing, as UCSD was heavily favored, having already knocked off its rival to the north 48-24 earlier this year.

This game was different as UCLA pulled out to a surprising first-half lead of 12 points to the UCSD goose egg.

UCLA looked to run away with the game, but UCSD’s Nick Serratto made sure that didn’t happen.

Serratto, a flanker, got possession of the ball, rumbling 30 yards for a score. Brian Kennedy scored on a second try and kicker Shane Maguire kicked a conversion to tie the game at 12-12 heading into halftime.

UCSD continued to score, again with Maguire successful with a try. Courtney Geigle got in on the UCSD action, scoring another try for a 25-12 lead.

UCLA battled back, scoring 12 unanswered points again to pull within one point. That is as close as UCLA would get, making UCSD close winners.

The win improves UCSD’s league record to 1-1. Next up for the team is a battle against the University of San Diego on Saturday. The game will be held at Warren field, if the playing surface is dry. If not, the match-up will take place art Dusty Rhodes Park.

Ice Hockey

Last weekend, UCSD faced its toughest competition of the year, Fresno State. Fresno made some serious problems for UCSD last year. It was the only blemish on an otherwise perfect year for the team. It was Fresno in the final trying to keep UCSD from the title also.

With all of this considered, UCSD was looking for a tough match-up. Fresno is not the team it once was, however, as UCSD had its way with its foes, winning 6-3.

UCSD jumped out to an early lead. Garen Gervey and Stephen Cohen each knocked in goal for UCSD, giving the team an early 2-0 advantage.

In the second period, Fresno State scored to close the game to 2-1. That was all the motivation UCSD needed. In the second period, Keith Davis and Erik Borman both scored to extend the lead to 4-1. Before the end of the second period, Fresno State scored again to pull to within 4-2.

In the third period, Keith Davis and Chris Davis each scored a goal to extend its league to 6-2. Fresno would score once more, but it was too little, too late, as UCSD wins 6-3.

Things are looking up for UCSD, as it is in the driver’s seat this season. Next week they will do some traveling, heading to Sacramento State and UC Davis.

Upcoming Events

Friday, Feb 2

Ice hockey at UC Davis

Saturday Feb. 3

Equestrian English Competition at Clark’s Ranch

Men’s rugby versus University of San Diego at Warren field, 1 p.m.

Men’s lacrosse scrimmage at RIMAC Field, 7 p.m.

Ice Hockey at Sacramento State

Women’s lacrosse at Cal Poly

Sat.-Sun., Feb. 3-4

Women’s ultimate at Arizona

Sunday Feb. 4

Women’s rugby versus UCSB at Warren Field, 11 a.m.

–Compiled by Robert Fulton