Arizona State University finished off their 15s season with a high, beating Ohio State 59-0 in impressive fashion in their second-annual Rugby Bowl.

The Rugby Bowl is a special event started by Arizona State to highlight one game a year in a high-level venue and showcase the game. Last year, ASU played BYU. 

In this game, the Sun Devils put together a solid effort in the pack, showing they had learned many of the lessons taught them through a very challenging season. Keenan Mayfield and Nick Howard “had exceptional games” said Head Coach Gary Lane. “They disrupted ball against bigger opposition. I thought the forward pack overall worked really hard and provided us with good continuity.”

Ohio State came to play, added Lane, but it was a long trip and Arizona State’s eagerness to finish strong was evident.

"I'm proud we never gave up but great team in Arizona State," Ohio State head coach Ron Bowers told The Arizona Republic. "Their back row was really really good. They played an outstanding game we just couldn't match what their six, seven and eight had going. They were all over the field."

Alex Sandstrom was at his finishing best, scoring three tries, while Mayfield added two and Kevin Harris and Nathan Sosa added tries in a game that saw ASU run in five tries in the final 15.

The event itself went well, said Lane. Held in a new venue, Scottsdale Stadium, it is set to grow.

“We did more sales than last year and hopefully we will grow this thing,” said Lane.

It’s not over for Arizona State. They turn their attention now to 7s. Having finished a competitive 2nd in two qualifying 7s tournaments this season, the Sun Devils are at the top of the list of at-large candidates for the USA Rugby Men’s DI College 7s Championships May 23-24 in Denver, Colo. 

“The guys were ready to start training on Monday,” said Lane. “We’ve got a good side and maybe the best 7s team we’ve ever had. We’ve had a tough season in 15s, but it’s been a good growing experience, and so was the fall 7s.”

It’s almost a done deal that ASU will be in 7s nationals, and they will join an impressive list of teams in Denver.

“The Rugby Bowl was a nice way to end the 15s season,” said Lane. “But now we have a chance to play for a national championship in 7s, and that’s a pretty great way to finish the entire year.”