FAIRFIELD, CT – On Saturday, April 11, the Siena Saints traveled to Fairfield University to compete in the NCR National Qualifier. Facing a premier field of national title contenders, the Saints finished the day with resilient performances across four matches, keeping their hopes alive for an at-large bid to the National Championships.

Match 1: Siena 26, Harvard 22

The Saints opened pool play against Liberty Conference rival Harvard University with a dominant first-half display. Siena surged to a 21-0 lead by halftime, eventually extending the cushion to 26-0 early in the second half. Harry Ryder led the charge with two long-range tries, including a highlight-reel score off a set play initiated by Jack Burns. Captain Luca Holloway added a quick-tap try and three conversions, while Junior Vincent Durante powered through for what proved to be the decisive score. Despite a late 22-point rally by the Crimson, the Saints held on for the opening victory.
 

Team	First Half	Second Half	Final Score
Siena	21	5	26
Harvard	0	22	22

 

Match 2: St. Bonaventure 22, Siena 17

In a physical second match, Siena fell just short against St. Bonaventure. After an early Bonnies try, Sophomore Jonathan Hall chased down a clinical grubber kick from Jack Burns to put Siena ahead 7-5. The lead traded hands throughout the match, with Harry Ryder scoring twice in the second half to put the Saints up 17-15. However, the Bonnies secured a final possession in the waning moments, scoring under the posts to steal a 22-17 win.
 

Team	First Half	Second Half	Final Score
Siena	7	10	17
St. Bonaventure	10	12	22

 

Plate Championship: Fordham 24, Siena 7

After seeding, the Saints moved into the Plate Championship bracket to face Fordham University. Siena struggled to find their rhythm, falling behind early as Fordham notched three first-half tries. Harry Ryder provided a spark with a long-distance try just before the break, converted by Holloway, but the Saints were unable to close the gap in the second half.

Team	First Half	Second Half	Final Score
Siena	7	0	7
Fordham	19	5	24

Plate Consolation: Siena 26, Fairfield 12

Determined to finish the day on a high note, Siena faced tournament host Fairfield. Harry Ryder opened the scoring with a stunning 90-meter breakaway. While the Stags held a slim 7-5 lead at the half, Siena exploded in the second period. Sophomore Henry Thompson was awarded a try after being fouled during a breakaway, and Ryder followed up with a "carbon copy" sprint to extend the lead. Jake Rizzo, making his first appearance in the Sevens Series, sealed the victory with an electrifying 70-meter try.
 

Team	First Half	Second Half	Final Score
Siena	5	21	26
Fairfield	7	5	12

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Tournament Scoring Summary

• Harry Ryder: 7 Tries (35 pts)

• Luca Holloway: 1 Try, 7 Conversions (19 pts)

• Henry Thompson: 1 Try (5 pts)

• Vincent Durante: 1 Try (5 pts)

• Jake Rizzo: 1 Try (5 pts)

• Jonathan Hall: 1 Try (5 pts)

Up Next:

The Saints now look toward the

NCR Selection Show on April 18 at 7:00 PM. While the team did not secure an automatic qualification (AQ), the program remains confident that their strong body of work and competitive performance at the Stags 7s will earn them an at-large invitation to the National Championships.