BOYDS, MD – Following a rigorous qualifying season that spanned three tournaments in five weeks, the Siena Saints traveled to Maryland this past weekend for the NRC Collegiate National Championships. Entering the West Bracket as the #5 seed, the Saints finished the tournament with a 2-3 record, showcasing a resilient and high-octane brand of rugby on the national stage.

Friday, April 24:
Match 1: #4 Utah State 28, #5 Siena 21
The Saints opened the tournament against a disciplined Utah State side. The Aggies jumped to a quick 14-0 lead, but Siena found their rhythm before the half. Harry Ryder crossed the line following a clinical assist from Captain Luca Holloway, who added the conversion to make it 14-7.

In the second half, the Saints erased a 21-7 deficit with two spirited tries from Jack Rowley and an 80-meter individual effort by Holloway. With the score knotted at 21, Utah State managed a final push, scoring as time expired to steal the victory.

Match 2: #5 Siena 33, #8 Indiana Tech 7
Siena bounced back with a dominant performance against Indiana Tech. Harry Ryder spearheaded the attack with a hat trick, while Anthony Guarino and Preston Frazier added scores of their own. Despite playing down three players due to a flurry of yellow cards late in the first half, the Saints' defense held firm to secure the 33-7 win.

Match 3: Siena 21, Fairfield 7
Under the lights of the main stadium after a six-hour weather delay, Siena faced Liberty Conference rival Fairfield University. Head Coach Jaco Visser, Technical Coach Brad Tucker, and Trainer Ron Annis were credited with keeping the squad focused during the wait.

Jack Burns led the charge with two tries and two conversions, while Jack Rowley added a score off a selfless offload from Henry Thompson. The 21-7 victory secured the Saints a spot in Saturday's Bowl Semifinals.

Saturday, April 25: Knockout Rounds
Bowl Semi-Final: Fordham 26, Siena 21 (OT)
In a defensive battle, Siena and Fordham went blow-for-blow. Luca Holloway opened the scoring early, and later led a furious second-half comeback to tie the match at 21-21 as the full-time whistle blew. However, Fordham found a gap in sudden-death overtime, breaking away for an 80-meter try to end the Saints' championship run.

Consolation Final: Kentucky 35, Siena 14
In the final match of the weekend—and the first meeting between the two programs—Siena battled to a 14-14 halftime tie. However, the physical toll of the tournament became apparent in the second half, as the Wildcats pulled away with three unanswered tries.

Looking Ahead
The tournament marks the conclusion of the Sevens season and the final collegiate Sevens appearances for graduating seniors Emmett Pearl and Luca Holloway. Their leadership has been a cornerstone of the program's recent success.

Siena Rugby now shifts its focus to the Liberty Conference fall schedule, with sights set on returning to the national stage in the 15s season.