Butler, Pennsylvania - The Bowling Green Men's Rugby Team (8-3, 5-1 MAC, 1-0 Nationals) will continue their quest for another National Title against Virginia Tech (7-0 Overall, 5-0 MARC) in a neutral site match on Saturday, November 22nd at 1:00 PM in Butler, Pennsylvania

"Virginia Tech will obviously be motivated after last year's 20-18 loss in the semifinal," said Head Coach Tony Mazzarella. "It looks like they have improved on last year's already solid team. We need to take a step up again, even from our solid performance against Babson."

Bowling Green has managed to make it to the NCR Quarter after a 55-3 win over Liberty runners-up Babson on Saturday, November 15th. The Falcons now face the back-to-back-to-back MARC Champions Virginia Tech who were crowned National Champions in 2021 and 2022. Bowling Green goes into the match with an idea of what the Hokies will bring following last year's 20-18 victory in the Semifinals . However, the Hokies will go into the match looking to get revenge on BG for ending their 2024 Nationals run. The Falcons will need to be ready and keep the momentum moving in order to make their return to the National Championship final.

"Virginia Tech is going to be back for revenge after their close loss to us last year," said Fullback Joey Apel. "We need to be prepared for their hardest game yet, but if anyone can do it, it is us."

Last Time on the Field

After the lightning delay both teams had 20 minutes to warm up and regain their focus. The Falcons took over control of the game immediately. Prop Vinnie Pfahl scored the first two tries and Fullback Joey Apel made his first two conversions. Next Scrumhalf Griffin WIlson followed by 8-Man Evan Holderer and another two conversions by Apel. The Falcons took a solid 28-0 lead going into half time. The second half began with a decent attempt by Babson to get themselves into the game and dig their way out of the 28 unanswered points. Babson only managed to convert a penalty kick to make it 28-3. After that, came another 27 unanswered points for the Falcons. Wing Paolo Sferrella, Prop Kosta Anderson, Flanker Phil Tracey and Flanker Colton Crabiel all contributed with one try each. Fullback Joey Apel made two more conversions and a penalty kick. Overall, the Falcons played a solid game and showed good mental ability to refocus both following a rain delay and with a clear lead going into the second half. 

Milestone Markers

• BG has qualified for Nations from 1986-1988, 2001-2004, 2008-2021, 202.4 and 2024

• BG won the National Championship in 2018 under Head Coach Tony Mazzarella. 

• BG finished runners-up in the 2021 National Championship in a 31-36 loss to Tennessee

• BG finished runners-up in the 2024 National Championship in a 57-14 loss to Kentucky

About Virginia Tech:

This season, Virginia Tech finished 7–0 Overall, winning the MARC Conference Tournament. The Hokies began their season with a 24-17 win over NC State. Next they defeated James Madison 32-5 followed by beating Maryland 41-19 before their BYE week. To finish out the regular season, the Hokie defeated West Chester 46-31 and St. John's 19-17. During the MARC Tournament, the Hokies defeated Princeton 86-12 in the semifinal before defeating St. John's 48-17 to become 2025 MARC Champions going back-to-back-to-back. This conference win earned the Hokies a NCR D1-AA Quarterfinals starting spot for Nationals. Virginia Tech now faces Bowling Green in the 2025 NCR D1-AA Nationals Quarterfinal. The last time these two teams faced was in the 2024 NCR D1-AA Semifinal where Bowling Green won 20-18 to book their ticket to Houston.

Bowling Green vs. Virginia Tech

Butler, Pennsylvania | Pullman Rec Center

Saturday, November 22nd | 1:00 PM

Up Next

Bowling Green plays for the opportunity to play the winner of Boston College and Louisville in the NCR 15s Championship SemifinalDecember 6th.

Follow the Falcons

Be sure to follow the Falcons Rugby team on social media for schedule updates and any information:

• Instagram: @rugbgofficial

• Facebook: BGSU Men's Rugby