What's Happening?
The Cal Rugby team achieved a significant victory against Grand Canyon with a score of 76-14 in Phoenix, Arizona. This win comes after a narrow victory over Arizona, which left the team unsatisfied with their performance. Cal, currently ranked No. 4 in the College Rugby Association of America and No. 2 in the Goff Rugby Report, demonstrated their strength by scoring 12 tries. Key players like Nate Comiskey, Masi Koi, and Byron Finley contributed significantly to the scoreline. Despite the victory, the team faced a setback with an injury to William Schreckengaust. The Bears are now preparing for upcoming matches against strong teams like BYU, Navy, Army, and Saint Mary’s, as they aim to defend their national championship title.
Why It's Important?
This victory is crucial
for Cal Rugby as it boosts their confidence ahead of a series of challenging matches. The team's ability to bounce back from a less-than-ideal performance against Arizona highlights their resilience and potential to maintain their status as national champions. The upcoming matches against traditional rugby powerhouses will test Cal's capabilities and could impact their rankings and morale. Success in these matches is vital for maintaining their competitive edge and reputation in college rugby. The injury to Schreckengaust, however, could affect team dynamics and strategy moving forward.
What's Next?
Cal Rugby is set to face BYU on February 21 in Berkeley, followed by matches against Navy, Army, and Saint Mary’s. These games are critical as they will determine Cal's readiness to defend their national championship. The team will need to address any weaknesses exposed in previous matches and adapt their strategies to overcome these formidable opponents. The outcome of these matches will likely influence their national ranking and set the tone for their postseason performance.
