THE CARROLL NEWS: 

Rugby and lacrosse have a huge weekend ahead
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Sara Nunney on 24 April, 2008 01:00:00
 
The John Carroll University men’s rugby team lost to Ohio Northern University
in a tough game on Saturday. The game against ONU was their final tune-up before
they head off to the prestigious Ohio State University Classic Tournament to be
held this weekend in Columbus.
In the first half, ONU scored three tries and kicked two conversions.
In the second half, the JCU Green Gators built up their momentum and scored two
tries followed by one conversion.
Unfortunately, the game was called in the second half due to lightning.
When lightning struck, ONU led the contest by a count of 19-12. When it was
decided that it would be too dangerous to continue, the Polar Bears were awarded
the victory.
The JCU Green Gators had some trouble getting guys to come out to Ada, Ohio to
compete. The team dressed 15 players, but two players were limited as a result
of injury.
Junior Jim Perkins was impressed with the effort of his team, especially with
the number of participants available.
“Seeing as we were undermanned, we played really well,” said Perkins.
The loss against ONU dropped the JCU Green Gators record to 2-3 on the year.
The team had no time to sulk after the loss with the huge tournament looming
next week.
Perkins called the OSU Classic, “the biggest rugby tournament and celebration
of the season.”
The Green Gators hope to be at full strength for the weekend.
Lacrosse Update: Last week, qualifying for the postseason tournament looked
like a long-shot for the JCU men’s lacrosse squad.
But, the team received a wild card birth and will play the University of
Cincinnati on Saturday afternoon in Cincinnati, Ohio.
If they advance, the team will earn a shot to avenge losses from earlier in the
season against the winner of Kentucky and Slippery Rock.