This past Saturday, April 6, the CWU men’s rugby team won big against the University of Arizona (UA), to take home the opening round of the division one national playoffs (D1A) with a final score of 23-17. Senior Jac Tregoning, otherwise known as “The Dragon,” was positioned at Fly-Half and gave CWU the upper hand in their match against Arizona. 

Arizona’s attempt at scoring came from position seven; they converted it, but were still behind 8-7. With the help of his teammates’ combined effort Drew Ferrington, a junior and 8-man for the team, increased their lead shortly before halftime with a try off a lineout. After a long shot, Tregoning made the conversion, making the score 15-7. After a deft pass from senior wing  Oscar Treacy during a lineout play, Treacy increased their lead with a second try in the 47th minute. CWU led easily, 23-7. 

This kind of lead was nothing new for the team since CWU also shut them down in February with a closer match of 19-17. CWU holds an 8-1 historical record against UA, having emerged victorious in their past five encounters. They secured wins in both matches held on their home turf, while also boasting a 3-1 record in games played in Tucson, Arizona. CWU is currently the 2-seed, allowing them advance to the second round against the 3-seed, Brigham Young University (BYU), which will be held at CWU this upcoming Saturday, April 13. 

The last time CWU and BYU met, the Wildcats were able to put them away with a 21-12 score. This was only the second time in program history that CWU has beaten BYU. “We are pleased to advance but our performance was one that will need to grow significantly to have any chance of even competing next week,” Todd Thornley, the CWU head coach, said according to cwuathletics.com. “Credit to Arizona, they were well prepared and turned us over a lot. I’m proud of our grit but we will need a big week of prep going into another big battle with an old foe next week.” 

These playoff games are now life or death for CWU; if they lose, they’re out and the season will come to a painful end. Approaching their next match, the team’s biggest worry is staying healthy. “We only have one team, we don’t have a lot of depth, we’re independent,” senior center Calvin Liulamaga said. “We’re dealing with a lot of injuries which is causing other players who don’t have much experience to go in. We fought through a lot and the way we’re going has exceeded my expectations for the team.” 

Liulamaga was also just nominated for the “Rudy Scholz” award, which is given to the best men’s collegiate rugby player in the nation, presented by the Washington Athletic Club. Finalists for the award will be announced in the upcoming weeks.