Massive Clash for Men's DII Title
Massive Clash for Men's DII Title
Two winners Saturday in the Men’s DII college semis, and two very different game stories.
Wisconsin-Whitewater had to battle and scrape against Notre Dame College. Sure they had what seemed a sure try not given due to a ball jarred loose at the last second, but that’s rugby - as was the 8-3 halftime scoreline.
It wasn’t until well into the second half that Whitewater pulled away.
“This was not a surprise to us,” said lock and UW-Whitewater club president Anthony Andolino. “Notre Dame is a varsity program, a tough team. For us, also, we tend to be better in the second half so we knew that if we did the things we normally do, we would be OK.”
Patience, defense, and a good kicking game helped. Andolino praised his backs, especially their kicking game which set up tries and pinned the Falcons back.
In the other semi, it was almost over before it started. Yes James Madison played hard all day and should garner respect for scoring three late tries, but it was the three early tries by Minnesota-Duluth that set the tone.
“We wanted to start off well and with Jake [Leutgers] scoring that try right at the beginning it could not have been more perfect,” said prop Lars Anderson, who had an excellent game himself. In fact, the whole pack did, and showed it with a drive-over try from a scrum.
“That try was probably the highlight of my season so far,” said Anderson. “It’s big deal to do that. Our tight five takes pride in setting the tone, and we did today. We have a good backline of younger guys and they really came through.”
Anderson said he tips his hat to JMU for not buckling, but if they had, it wouldn’t have been surprising. Duluth has dominated their opposition all season.
Leutgers, the 6-0, 260-pound No. 8 with great balance, was a powerhouse, and flyhalf Trace Bolstad was brilliant with his goalkicking.
“He’s actually better from an angle than he is in front of the posts,” said Anderson.
So it all came together. In fact, even more than that, Duluth got Austin Haecherl back after a worrying injury two weeks ago. He was declared free of concussion symptoms and played a solid game at fullback.
Now Whitewater and Duluth face off. Whitewater has the more aggressive backline, but only barely. Duluth has the more imposing back, but only barely. Both made sure to watch the other play. Both Andolino and Anderson say all their team has to do is play its game.
It promises to be one heck of a final.
