Marist edged US Merchant Marine Academy 20-17 in what seems to be the meeting of the top two teams in the Tri-State.
The rain had held off all morning but started in earnest just before kickoff. The wind was also strong and both conditions would have their effect. Marist had the bulk of possession early but had trouble making four passes into five or running their usual expansive style of play. Marist scored an early try through No. 8 TJ Finegan that was converted by flyhalf Federico Gubana. Marist again made inroads into the attacking 22 through some high kicks and Gubana slotted a penalty goal from about 25 meters out to make it 10-0.
USMMA challenged very well on defense and shut down most running in close quarters. Their first real foray into the attacking 22 came with some hard, positive running through their tight five, especially lock Kenny Walsh. Marist showed some strong defense with freshman flanker Tomas Falcon and center and captain Enrique Pesantez leading the way.
Marist again made inroads into the attacking half through a strong kick chase and the foot of Gubana. Gubana slotted another penalty goal to make the score 13-0, which is how the first half ended.
Was that enough with the wind? Marist had to be concerned that it wasn't.
The very physical style of play coupled with the weather kept the game close in the opening quarter of the second half and Marist lost several players through injury, including Falcon, wing Dan Sawyer, fullback Benji Hanneman, and prop Ben Surman. USMMA pushed the ball into the Marist 22 with good phase play and finally put Walsh over to make it 13-5.
