Xavier University won their opener in the Great Lakes Men’s DII South Division with a 41-12 defeat of previously 1-0 Marshall.

With good work from both their forwards and backs, Xavier was led by three tries from captain Matt Flynn. Freshman Nick Yostel led the defensive effort, and sophomore lock Colin Carney and No. 8 Dan Stelzer also played well. Next up for Xavier is at Eastern Kentucky. EKU is 0-1 having already lost to Marshall. 

Meanwhile, in the North, things are getting interesting, as two teams started impressively in their games only to see the momentum shift. Grand Valley State went into their clash with rivals Oakland full of confidence after a pasting of Saginaw Valley State. And it all seemed it would be another rout, as GVSU led 17-0 after 20 minutes.

But indiscipline and sloppiness crept into the game. Head Coach John Mullet said “the game deteriorated. We showed some good play but it became very sloppy after that.”

Both teams were drawn into a choppiness they didn’t need. GVSU held on 27-10, but it was not what they wanted.

“I guess now we realize we have a lot to work on,” said Mullet. “I was really pleased with our backs. They’re experienced and athletic. But we’ve got areas to improve on.”

Meanwhile Ferris State ran out to a 32-0 lead over Saginaw Valley, but SVSU, hit by injuries and maybe a bit of bad luck early, suddenly righted their shop, and almost won the game, closing the score to 32-29 as time expired. The difference, in the end, was Ferris State’s decision right at the end of the first half to kick a penalty goal rather than go for, and possibly fail to score, a try.

GVSU looks ahead to some tough non-league games, including one against Davenport’s 2nd side, and another against Western Ontario. Those games, said Mullet, will help prepare his team as they look to go deep in the national playoffs. They hope to have prop Alex Clemons (pinched nerve), and back Jared Preston (broken nose) back for those games.