Tri-State QFs Set

The quarterfinalists for the Men’s Tri-State Conference are set after a key final weekend.

The RPI Engineers continued their winning ways with an impressive 55-21 defeat of Marist to finish the season 4-1 and on top of the Tri-State North. But it’s not a runaway, as Vassar and Siena also finished 4-1. 

With the Tri-State holding quarterfinals this weekend, all three will be involved. Also in the mix are New Jersey Institute of Technology, which finished 5-1 and almost took 1st in the South after beating Seton Hall. But Molloy, which was upset 38-19 by Sacred Heart, survived for win the conference.

This was possibly the best performance by Sacred Heart this fall, and the team needed it, as they were in danger of missing the playoffs without the win. 

Head Coach Ray Peterson said he warned his forward pack of Molloy’s size and power, asking for every ounce of commitment and intelligence from the front eight. 

“They limited our turnovers, dominated breakdowns, and played real possession rugby,” said Peterson.

The result was that Sacred Heart finished 4-2 and 3rd in the Tri-State South.

And so on to the quarterfinals, where RPI is favored against Montclair State, and Molloy should be solid against Marist. But the other two matchups are anything but a sure thing. Siena visits NJIT and Sacred Heart goes to Vassar. Both games will be tough to pick.