The Arizona State Sun Devils lost to the Mexican National Team 30-23 at the Fiesta Bowl Rugby and Balloon Classic on Saturday night. The Sun Devils played the best rugby of the season pushing Las Serpentines all the way to the final whistle.

“The way the guys played tonight was testament to their hard work," said ASU head Coach Gary Lane. "They played the best rugby of the season.” 

For Mexico, this was the first in a series of games they have coming up against Bermuda, Turks and Cacos, and Jamaica national teams.

Las Serpientes took control of the game 20 minutes into the first half and capitalized on two ASU mistakes. As a result, Mexico went into the half with a 20-5 lead.

A quick score five minutes into the second half extended the Serpientes lead to 23-5.  However, then it was all the Sun Devils. Solid defense and an exciting line break running from Ryan Spiwak, Pere Akele-Ale  and Alex Sandstrom, backed up by Bailey Stringer, Matt Brennan, and Troy Farris brought the score to 23-18. Another try and a penalty extended Mexico’s lead to 30-18. However, Arizona State answered back immediately with an Alex Sandstrom unconverted try  to put the score at 30-23. The last minutes of the game were dominated by ASU with Dallas Sauer crossing over under the posts, but one of the Mexican players ripped the ball from him hands as he went to place the ball. The final score remained 30-23.

“I am very proud of the team, and the growth that has occurred through the season” said Lane, “ No one expected us to play this well or compete with Mexico, this is a great springboard to next season. The guys will remember this and I am excited for next season already”.

Arizona State finished 3rd in the Fall 7s National Rankings and are looking to playing in the USA Rugby 7s  National Championships on the Memorial Day weekend.