LEXINGTON, Va. — In their historic inaugural game, the Southern Virginia University men's rugby team won their first game in dominant fashion Saturday afternoon beating the Virginia Military Institute by a score of 33-0. 

The defense was a catalyst for the Knights as they were able to shutout the Keydets.

Freshman Cedric Vakalahi scored the first points in program history in the 19th minute while also leading the Knights with a game-high two try's.

Minutes later, Alex Payne added his name to the scoring column following a successful try attempt to give the Knights a 21-0 advantage. Senior Kaipo Tagaloa soon followed with a try to extend the lead once more to 28-0. Also contributing to Southern Virginia was Marshall Ferris who added the final try of the game and accounted for four successful conversions to help give the Knights the 33-0 victory.

Southern Virginia begins the 2019 season members of the Cardinals Collegiate Rugby Conference (CCRC) where there is a Division 2 competion as well as a hybrid competion. The Knights will compete this season under the hybrid competion divison. 

The Knights will have their first home game on Saturday, September 28 as they take on the Northern Virginia Griffins.