After Wisconsin-Whitewater thumped Springfield 85-12 in Saturday’s first round of the national playoffs, but it wasn’t anywhere near as easy on the second day.

The Warhawks had to battle past a Rhode Island team that was much more difficult.

“Rhode island was really good and experienced and played well as a team,” said Whitewater Head Coach Matt Pederson. 

Rhode Island had beaten SUNY Oswego the day before 58-17, with nine different players scoring. It wash an impressive performance, and while URI lost 31-21 to Whitewater, no team has been able to get that close to the Warhawks.  

“They were very formidable in the scrum,” said Pederson. “They pushed us a bit, but we warmed up and started to match them.” 

Whitewater scored three tries in the first half to lead 19-6. But then Rhode Island got the better of the possession game and Whitewater players defense for the next 25 minutes.

In the second half, Rhode Island figured they had an opportunity and scored two converted tries to take a 21-16 lead. Whitewater answered with a try to retake the lead 24-16, and Rhode Island replied with a crucial score to close within three at 24-21. Then, with Rhode Island attacking, they attempted to kick over the top of the Whitewater defense. Robby Sindic blocked the kick, and wing Alec Treuthardt swooped in to take the ball on the bounce and gallop in from 50 meters. That sealed. And while yellow cards put Whitewater down to 13 men, their defense held on.

“All in all it was a great first half,” said Pederson. “But we left probably two tries [unscored]. But we did what we needed to do and that is defend.”