Bowling Green, Ohio – Bowling Green (6-2 Overall, 5-1 MAC) have closed out the regular season at home with a 53-8 first side victory and a 29-24 victory for the Developmental 1 side over Western Michigan. The Falcons now advance to the MAC Semifinal this weekend, Saturday, November 1st at 2:30 pm on the Roger Mazzarella Rugby Field.
"We're obviously not content with it, but we're happy with it and know that we have just a few things to change going into next week. As playoffs continue on, we are looking toward another match against Western for the first round," said Assistant Coach Austin Morris. "I know that they are going to be a lot hungrier and look to bring another game plan to play against us next weekend. However, I am looking forward to seeing how we turn up in that match"
Last weekend proved to be another lopsided match for the Falcons. BG had a majority of the possession throughout the match and found themselves camping out inside Western's defending half for large periods of time. Although next weekend starts MAC Tournament Playoffs, Bowling Green went into the match with the understanding that playoffs had already started. Bowling Green needed to play with the mindset that every game could be their last. Co-Captain Phil Tracey has been moved to Hooker in recent weeks and it is starting to pay off. This weekend Tracey scored a hat trick against Western. Center Russel Merz who has been battling injuries managed a brace off the bench. Flanker Evan Holderer, Wing Gianpoalo Sferrella, and Flanker Colton Crabiel all contributed with one try a piece. Fullback Joey Apel also pitched in going three for eight on conversions. Center Isaac Radke also aided the Falcons in scoring by earning a penalty try for seven points.
"Western is a great team. They're very young and physical and we can't underestimate them. They gave us some good challenges last week and it's important for us to not underestimate them." Said Co-Captain and 8-Man, Phil Tracey. "Going into this week we need to understand that it's playoff rugby now. Any loss could end our season so we're playing every game like it could be our last. That being said, we're very much looking forward to hosting our last home match of the season and we're excited for the rematch at home in a playoff atmosphere."
NOTABLES
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This is the Falcon's first home win of the season
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The Falcons are now 6-2 Overall, 5-1 MAC.
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Phil Tracey leads the team with 10 tries
Bowling Green (6-2, 5-1 MAC) will play their next match in the MAC Semifinal against No. 3 Seed Western Michigan on Saturday, November 1st at 2:30 PM on the Roger Mazzarella Rugby Field.
