Rice finishes off 2010-11 at the DII Collegiate Nationals.
Last April, Rice Rugby Club travelled to UC San Diego to participate in the DII College Nationals. To qualify, Rice finished first in Texas, winning the TRU tournament and won its qualifying match against Colorado College at the Western regionals.
In San Diego, Rice first played Pepperdine University. Rice ruggers fought hard but at the end of the day, the Pepperdine's backline proved to be too much. Rice lost the match 30-20.
In its consolation game, Rice played Cal State Long Beach. Rice cam out very strong, leading most of the game 8-0 after a quick try and a penalty conversion. However, Cal State Long Beach would not go down easy, as they scored two tries back to back with less than 10 minutes to go, changing the pace of the game. Rice ruggers fought hard, nonetheless, waiting for the one last chance. That chance came with less than five minutes to go in the game, when the freshman lock Matt Kaufman stole the lineout ball at the opponent's 5m line. Rice quickly formed a ruck and sophomore prop Murtuza Marfani scored the game winning try to end the Rice's very successful season with a win.
Thank you for those who came on the trip and alumni who supported us to make everything possible. It was a great season and we hope to build on the strong foundation that we have established last year.
Photos (credit to Bill Arnold, who's been incredibly helpful and nice enough to accompany us throughout the season) :
TRU Championship @ Rice:
http://billarnold.zenfolio.com/p64631544
San Diego Part 1:
http://billarnold.zenfolio.com/p563212492
San Diego Part 2:
http://billarnold.zenfolio.com/p201668021
Location
http://www.ricerugby.com/index.cfm/1,79,392,0,html
Copyright © Rice Univeristy Rugby Club 2012
