Western Washington wanted to go down to San Diego in January and get their season kick-started in the sunshine, but that didn't happen.

The surge of the COVID Omicron variant, and some very conservative response from schools in San Diego especially led to several college rugby seasons being delayed for some weeks. So, in the end, Western made the trip this past weekend, about 2 1/2 months after they wanted to.

But the result was perhaps more intriguing. Ranked #18 by GRR among DIAA teams, WWU defeated #14 University of San Diego 30-17.

Fullback Charlie Funk scored two tries for the Vikings and Max Stone stepped in at scrumhalf in place of injured captain Terrell Nelson and played well and took on the goalkicking duties, converting three tries and adding a penalty goal.

It was an impressive showing by Western Washington with the playoffs just around the corner.

WWU will host the West bracket of the DIAA playoffs, which will include USD and the top two from the Pacific Western. We'll find out what the Pac West teams are this coming weekend. The favorites to get there at present are Fresno State and UC Santa Cruz, but Sacramento State might shake things up.

See the entire WWU v USD game here: