Gregory the Great opened their season with an impressive 35-10 defeat of #16 St. Joseph's.

For GGA, a small boarding school just east of Scranton, Pa., rugby is THE sport of the spring, and they play a smart, very team-oriented game that gets around their usual lack of size with fitness and tenacity. This is exactly how they defeated St. Joe's.

"They are very sound," said St. Joe's Head Coach Brian McCloskey. "We made too many mistakes and while we matched up pretty well they scored a few late to put it away. Really it was three mistakes and three tries for them; they are good at making you pay."

On a beautiful day for rugby GGA certainly did that. Head Coach Garret van Beek said taking time and space away from St. Joseph's was the plan.

"Our defensive structure was the hallmark of the match," van Beek told GRR. "We we able to put a talented St. Joe's under pressure. Things really did click for us." 

Leading the way for Gregory the Great were loose forwards Joseph Kerstiens and Jacob Landry. They worked very hard on both sides of the ball, making important meters with the ball in hand and showing technical proficiency and commitment in the tackle.

Flyhalf Eli Ziglinski was very strong, moving the ball on attack and setting up several scoring chances.

With Rugby Pennsylvania about to start its league season, it appears most teams that normally would fill the schedule will be back and ready to compete. Gregory the Great has to be considered one of the major contenders.