Bowling Green, Ohio - The Bowling Green Men's Rugby Team (11-1, 6-0 MAC, 1-0 Nationals) beat Clemson (4-3, 2-0 SCRC East) in a 29-18 victory in the NCR National Semifinal. BG now faces Virginia Tech (8-0-1, 4-0-1 MARC) in Reading Pennsylvania in the semifinals for the NCR Nationals Tournament on December 7th, at 3 pm, at the Penn State Berks Stadium.

"A hard fought game. We did a really good job of dominating the first ten-fifteen minutes and put them under pressure. We let them off the hook a little bit by some missed kicks, putting ourselves back under pressure and really just had to ride that out," said Head Coach Tony Mazzarella. "Eventually we got ahead of them and held on to it. It just ended up being our day."

Going into the match, Clemson was unknown. BG knew the Tigers could hold their own against tough competition shown in their 8-7 SCRC final loss to the reigning D1-AA NCR Champions Kentucky. Bowling Green came out strong and got a grip on the game. The change in field locations due to the week's weather proved to be an important decision in eliminating some of the environmental conditions. Ultimately, the Falcons held their own and downed the Tigers with the help of vice-captain and 8-Man Phil Tracey who had three tries for a hat trick.

"I think the boys have been playing very well this whole season, especially through this postseason. I've really just tried to play my part and give the boys big carry's to play off," said vice-captain Phil Tracey. "As for the scoring aspect, I've just been blessed by my team and the Lord to have the opportunities to put the ball in the try zone and I've done my best to capitalize on those opportunities."

The Falcons kicked off to start the match. Once again, a beautiful kick from Captain Joey Apel allowed the Falcon's reclaim the ball instantly. The Falcons went on the attack, working all the way into Clemson 22. Although the Falcon's didn't score on the opening drive, they dominated the open 15 minutes of the game putting lots of pressure on the Tigers. 8-Man and Vice-captain Phil Tracey broke the stalemate and gave the Falcon's their first lead. Clemson soon drove down the field to score and convert for their first lead of the game. Phil again would give the Falcon's the lead with his second try and Joey Apel converted. Clemson punched one back before halftime. In the second half, Clemson took the lead with a penalty kick. Phil scores again, completing his hat trick and sparking a 17 point unanswered run by the Falcons. Prop Evan Holderer scored off a powerful run and Joey Apel converted his second of the game. Nico LaBianca scored his first of the match making it 29-13 going into the final minutes of the game. Clemson ended the Falcon's 17 point scoring run with a try, however, it wasn't enough to win the match. Overall, the Falcon's played a solid match, doing well to manage Clemson's kicking game. BG was able to advance through to the NCR National Tournament Semifinal with a 29-18 win.

NOTABLES

• Phil Tracey scores his seventh try in postseason: 3x Clemson (NCR Quarterfinal), 2x Cincinnati (MAC Semifinal) and Louisville (MAC Final)
• Falcons return to the National semifinal

Bowling Green (11-1, 6-0 MAC) will continue into the post-season following the 29-18 win over Clemson with the semifinal of the NCR 15s National Tournament. The Falcons will face the 2021 and 2022 NCR National Champions and 2024 Mid-Atlantic Rugby Conference Champions Virginia Tech (8-0-1 Overall, 4-0-1 MARC) on Saturday, December 7th at 3 pm at the Penn State Berks Stadium.
 

HOW IT HAPPENED

1st XV

Bowling Green 29, Louisville 18

• Kickoff
• 8-Man Phil Tracey opens the scoring (5-0)
• Clemson score and convert (5-7)
• Tracey regains the Falcon's lead with his second try (10-5)
• Captain Joey Apel converts (12-5)
• Clemson scores (12-10)
• Halftime: (12-10)
• Clemson scores a penalty kick (12-13)
• Clemson misses a penalty kick (12-13)
• Vice-captain Tracey scores his third of the game (17-13)
• Prop Evan Holderer scores (22-13)
• Captain Joey Apel converts his second (24-13)
• Nico LaBianca scores (29-13)
• Clemson score (29-18)
• Final Score: 29-18