The University of Central Florida defeated Middle Tennessee State University 48-10 Sunday in the final of the South Independent Rugby Conference, securing a DIAA quarterfinal spot for the Knights.

Playing on the wide fields of Atlanta Old White, the teams had plenty of space to work with, and to guard, and it was defense that saw UCF through.

“We really had to spread to cover the field,” said UCF club president Scott Watters. “Our defense played well. Then when we had the ball we were able to push it up with our forwards and then spread it wide.”

Sunday’s win came after a blowout win for UCF over Kennesaw State. MTSU, meanwhile, had to work for it to beat Florida State, and perhaps were a little more tired on the Sunday. Still, the teams were close in score for much of the first half before UCF”s classic punishing style began to tell.

“We weren’t doing anything too special,” said Watters. “We just played our pattern and got rolling. It was a pretty decent performance, but we also know we can play better. We showed some examples of some pretty good rugby, and now we’re going to work hard over the next few weeks to make sure we’re ready for the national playoffs.”

MTSU kept plugging away and scored a try in the second half, but were outmatched.

UCF will face the US Merchant Marine Academy in the national quarterfinals in Pittsburgh April 25, with the semis April 26 between the winner of that game, and the winner of West Virginia and Yale.