After a re-ordering of the brackets, Ohio’s club rugby team had to go through a feisty Pittsburgh team Saturday to get its shot at West Virginia on Sunday.
The Bobcats were victorious in both matches. They will move on to the Midwest regional semifinals, where they will battle Northern Illinois Nov. 12 in Cottage Grove, Wis., near the state capital.
“We were tied or came back in both games,” coach Willie Griffes said. “We also shut both teams out in the second half and really set the tone of the game.”
Ohio beat Pittsburgh 13-12 Saturday in a nail-biter. The Bobcats were down 12- 0 at the half. Troy Keener and Bryan Greco scored tries in the second half, boosting Ohio.
Ohio took the lead with five minutes remaining. Pat Van Horn made a crucial penalty kick that edged Pittsburgh out of the tournament and gave Ohio a shot at the team that spoiled its tournament run last year: West Virginia.
The Bobcats were victorious Sunday against the Mountaineers, but it was not an easy task. Ohio and West Virginia were tied 10-10 at the half, and once again, Ohio was in a situation testing its discipline. The Bobcat defense pulled together and did not allow another score.
Chris Schade had a huge game, scoring three tries. Pat Van Horn added a conversion, and Shane McNea also scored a try to give the Bobcats the victory.
Ohio was the Midwest runner up in 2005 and 2006, when Griffes was a player. He will have the opportunity to win the Midwest championship and advance to the national tournament.
If the Bobcats advance to the national bracket, they will have to wait until the spring to continue their season. The other regions play a spring schedule instead of fall games like the Midwest region does.
But for now, the Bobcats will have two weeks to prepare to face the Huskies.
be375607@ohiou.edu
