Belmont, NC – Southern Virginia University rugby suffered a 14-31 defeat in their conference opener against Belmont Abbey College, dropping their season record to 2-1.

Belmont Abbey took control early in the first half with Jean Teson scoring the opening try, followed by a successful conversion from Harrison Tu'isila, giving the Crusaders a 7-0 lead. Shortly after, Luke Rochon added another try, though the conversion attempt was missed, extending the lead to 12-0. A missed penalty kick by Belmont Abbey kept the score steady going into halftime.

In the second half, Belmont Abbey's Jean Teson found the try zone again, and Hugo Taylor Jones successfully converted, pushing the lead to 19-0. Southern Virginia answered back when Michael Golden scored a try, and the conversion attempt by Zachary Jones was good, making it 19-7. Belmont Abbey missed another penalty kick, but Bryce Hogan's try and Taylor Jones' conversion increased their lead to 26-7.

The Knights responded with a try from Abraham Mallam, and Jones landed another extra conversion bringing the score to 26-14. Belmont Abbey sealed the game with a late try from Will Rimes, closing out a 31-14 victory.

Southern Virginia will look to bounce back as they prepare for their next matchup against Army at home on Friday, September 20th, at 5:00 PM.