A Marker from CWU
A Marker from CWU
Central Washington defeated UCLA 38-19 in a D1A non-conference game that went a long way toward confirming CWU as one of the top teams in the West.
CWU got four tries from wing Oscar Treacy, who added to that tally with a very good defensive game, as well.
It was a good day for Treacy as he has been battling injuries.
Overall, however, CWU Head Coach Todd Thornely was guarded in his appraisal of his team.
"Inconsistent performance," said Thornley. "It was a well-prepared UCLA side. We struggled to adapt to the referee and also took the foot off the gas pedal a little in the last 30. UCLA are more than capable of putting us under pressure, and they did that a lot."
Central Washington did provide some defensive pressure of their own to stymie a skilled UCLA team.
Offensively, "we managed to use the ball well enough at times to score some points," said Thornley.
The result puts CWU at 6-2 for the season, with their two losses being 14-10 to Trinity Western and 27-26 to Saint Mary's. Remaining on their schedule are Utah Valley University, Lindenwood, Seattle Rugby Club, and a rematch with Trinity Western before the D1A playoffs begin.
UCLA drops to 12-4. Their four losses have been to Cal (twice), Saint Mary's, and Central Washington.
And speaking of playoffs, the Western bracket of the D1A Round of 16 is still very much in flux. Currently Saint Mary's and CWU seem to be at the top of the stack ranking, with Cal and BYU just behind them (at the moment). That's four; there are four other Western spots. UCLA is certainly in position to be one of those teams since their win over Arizona. Cal Poly, Arizona, Grand Canyon, and perhaps even CSULB are in thaat conversation.
