UC Santa Barbara won two big games over the weekend, shutting out UC Davis 47-0 on Friday, and taking a 57-17 decision over Sacramento State two days later.
In the first game on Friday, fullback Lucas Green scored three tries, while wing John Nagengast and No. 8 and captain George Grant added two each. UCSB got on the board early and held the Aggies scoreless. Center Marcus Nguyen, who did not have his best day kicking for goal, made the gainline and more with the ball in his hands.
“The platform was really laid with our defensive effort,” said UCSB Head Coach Neil Foote.
In the second game, on Sunday, Nguyen scored two tries and added seven with the boot while Green, Grant, and Nagengast were once again among the try-scorers.
Sacramento State Head Coach Steve Seifert said UCSB had the run of play and their scrum was dominant over the weekend.
"Outside of Saint Mary's and Cal Poly, Footie's boys were the best team we've faced all year," Seifert added. "He had them play fast, cohesive rugby."
The Gauchos did, however, pick up a couple of injuries, notably to flyhalf Finlan Dignam. But, said Foote, "that just gives an opportunity to someone else. We just try to control the stuff we can control. This was a tough weekend but we save the program $10,000 by taking the bus trip up to Sacramento and staying the extra day and playing the second game. Guys are writing their thesis or studying on the bus, and working on Saturday. Actually we really enjoyed each other's company Saturday. We always seem to be racing from one place to another, so e were able spend a bit of time together without worrying about rugby."
As for the rugby bit, it was about defense.
"Defense doesn't make the headlines but the defensive effort of the boys was huge; they were so willing to get up off the ground and stay connected," said Foote. "We've put so much emphasis on leading our play with the defensive end."
