Navy defeated Iona 25-7 Saturday on the same day that Iona dedicated the Quinn's Corner, in honor of Iona rugby alum Pat Quinn and his campaign against ALS.

It was a beautiful day for a rugby match. The first ten minutes of the game saw both teams threaten to score. Navy drew first blood when they kicked for points after an Iona penalty in the 11th minute - Andrew Malick split the uprights from 25 meters out to make the score 3-0 Navy.

Iona answered back in the 22nd minute when they capitalized off a Navy miscue. Fullback Bryce Stanback went over and No. 8 Santi Mascolo converted to make it 7-3 Iona. Navy threatened to score several times in the remainder of the first half. The Navy forward pack continuously overpowered the opposing pack, and scored a walk-in penalty try in the final minute of the first half, putting the Midshipmen up 10-7 at the break.

Navy had several opportunities within Iona’s 22-meter line in the first ten minutes of the second half, but could not come away with points. However, Navy finally broke through the Gael’s defense in the 51st minute with a Spencer Craig try in the corner to make it 15-7. The powerful Navy scrum, anchored by props Cody Mendelow and Bo Kendrick-Holmes, stole an Iona put-in for another walk-in try. The big No. 8, Spencer Craig, recorded his second try on the day to make the score 20-7 Navy.

Again, the relentless Navy forwards kept grinding their way toward the Iona tryline, and set up a well-taken Erick Bleakley try in the corner in the 72nd minute. Navy’s stout defense held the Gaels for the remaining eight minutes for a final score of 25-7 to Navy.

It was a hugely physical encounter. Next up for Iona is Army, while Navy takes on D1AA defending champion Mary Washington.

- John Fiorelli