RedStorm captures Shield at Fighting Irish 7s

Rio Grande Sports Information
     SOUTH BEND, Ind. - The University of Rio Grande men's rugby team followed up a pair of tough losses to begin the day with a pair of victories, including a 26-0 shutout of Western Michigan University in Saturday's Premier Shield final of the Fighting Irish 7's Tournament hosted by the University of Notre Dame.
     The RedStorm dropped a 31-26 decision to Marian (Ind.) University in the opening match of the day and then fell to Adrian (Mich.) University before bouncing back with a 21-17 win over the University of Wyoming to set up the battle with the Broncos for the Shield.
     Rio threatened to score early but, unfortunately, suffered a turnover at the Western Michigan try line.
     Junior Ethan Manuel (Durban, South Africa) made a try-saving tackle just under 3-1/2 minutes in to keep the Broncos off the board and, after forcing a turnover moments later, a heads up play by Manuel down the blind side led to a Rio try and the points after conversion by sophomore Thibault Carrere (Dax, Landes, France) put the RedStorm up 7-0.
     Rio Grande re-gathered a very contestable restart, which led to the RedStorm scoring just a minute-and-a-half later through senior Solomone Ahoia (Los Angeles, CA), with the assist going to freshman Jacob Griffin (England).
     The points gave Rio a 12-0 advantage.
     The second half started in similar fashion as the first.
     Carrere took a half gap through the middle and scored under posts, converting his own try as well to make it 19-0.
     Sophomore Sunny Staffieri (Lostwithel, England) added the final try of the game, with the assist going to Carrere. The conversion kick by Carrere set the final score.
     Rio Grande is scheduled to return to action on April 12 at the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) 7s.