1/21/12 

On a somewhat rainy day on SDSU's turf field, the SDSU rugby squad took on the Loyola Marymount University rugby team in what was both team's first league game of the season.  The Aztecs were able to control the ball for most of the game with strong play from the forward pack in what turned out to be a 34-5 SDSU win.  

The scoring for the Aztecs on the day also belonged to the forwards with hooker Jaime Kelm crossing the line 3 times and back row players Derrick Broussard and Michael Shea each dotting down a try apiece.  Although not making it on the scorecard, the back line played extremely well on defense and and contributed to breaks up and down the field in open play offense.  The tone for the Aztec's stout defense was set early by centers Frank Ramos and Connor Reed combined with extremely aggressive play around the rucks from locks Noah Maypole and Angelo Pallotto.  

While struggling sometimes with lineouts, the Aztec pack absolutely dominated in the scrums, winning all of their ball on offense and turning over Loyola's ball on over half of their possessions.  Front rowers Ted Kassen, Morgan Gagel and Jason Merrill repeatedly wheeled and stole LMU's scrum in what turned out to be the most one-sided aspect of the game.

Great kicking performances, both for points and touch, were seen by backs Kalei Konrad and Bren Winbrock.  The Aztecs push their record to 1-0 in league with the victory and look to build on their performance in a friendly against the University of Arizona next Saturday at SDSU. 

SDSU 35

 LMU 5