The Tri-State DII men's collegiate conference got underway this past weekend, with the biggest result likely being Siena edging RPI 16-12 to make a statement as to who will challenge Vassar for the North Division title.

Vassar won also, paced by two tries from center Eli Vargas and 12 points from scrumhalf Gary Garcia, the Brewers defeated SUNY New Paltz 27-14.

Head Coach Tony Brown wasn't overwhelmed with his team's performance, reasoning that New Paltz finished last in the division last year, and Vassar first, and so he would have expected a stronger showing.

"The team will be glad to put this game behind them and now they need to put in some very hard work and improve areas of poor performance," said Brown.

In the South, a clear difference between the top teams and the others emerged as Molloy,NJIT, and Sacred Heart all won easily.

New Sacred Heart Head Coach Ray Peterson said his team's success last year was based on athleticism rather than rugby skills.

"Now they are learning the game," said Peterson. Sacred Heart has some new talent from strong HS programs in Massachusetts and New York, and is coming off scrimmage wins over Yale and Coast Guard.