Loyola University of Maryland defeated Bucknell 46-19 over the weekend to secure a trip to the National Small College Rugby Organization national playoffs.

Flyhalf Anthony McGrath led Loyola with two tries, and wing Jack Preston also got a pair, while fullback Dan Giannascoli, flanker Jake Walshe, and Tim Callaghan and Kyle Lin also touched down.

Loyola usually fields a fairly small pack but they scrum well, and the front row of Wyatt Staton-Todaro, Mark Cojocaru and Christian Hlewicki did very well on the day. Locks John Burkhardt and Mike Malcotti excellent on defense. 

Bucknell's size was a problem for Loyola, but was negated in part by Loyola's pace around the paddock.

"We were able to move their big forwards around and our backline, led by Anthony and Dan, was just too much for them," said Head Coach Matthew Cipriano. "Defensively we were terrific. Guys ran strong defensive lines and for the most part finished their tackles. We still have work to do, but we're on a great trajectory."