The University of Louisville played its first competitive game of the season, and the first in over 400 days, this weekend and came away with a victory over IUPUI.

Fielding 10 freshmen, Louisville overcame some first-game jitters and emerged 26-23 victors.

Paced by a Man-of-the-Match performance by freshman flanker Jacob Kinsey, Louisville put in a full day of hard tackles and they set the tone for the game.

IUPUI had plentt of moments, too. The backline with fullback Joey Sturgill, freshman wing Baylor Hoffner, and center John Rizzo attacked with some flair. All three of those players scored tries. Scrumhalf Nate Hession also scared a try. IUPUI was also strong in the scrums with hooker Calvin Dolo having a good game there, throwing in the lineouts, and around the field.

It was a high-tempo game from the start. In the first 30 minutes, Louisville's physicality put IUPUI on their heels a bit. But Louisville came out of the blocks maybe a bit too hard, and they started to feel the fatigue as the first half wore on. IUPUI started to get closer in the second half.

Louisville, however, held on.

"We were a little rusty as would be expected for not playing in over 400 days," said Louisville Head Coach Emil Walton. "We started 10 freshmen and they now got a taste of college Rugby at the next level. We have some great positives we will work on this year."

As for IUPUI, Head Coach Jake Christmann was pleased with a lot of what he saw.

"Overall the team needs to refocus and come out next week with great competition against Illinois," Christmann said. "It just didn't go our way this week. We're just happy we're still able to play rugby."