BUENA VISTA, VA – The Southern Virginia University men's rugby team faced a challenging matchup against a disciplined Army side, falling 7-51 at home. Despite the loss, the Knights showed resilience and put Army under pressure during key moments of the game.
Head Coach Marshall Ferris reflected on the match, stating, "We are grateful for Coach Sherman and the West Point program for coming down to Buena Vista for the first time and presenting their challenge. We knew they would be a tough, physical side that wanted to grind us down, and that's exactly what they did for 80 minutes. They are very well-coached and disciplined, and will likely be contenders in May."
Though Army controlled much of the game, Ferris praised his team for competing against one of the best programs in the country. "As a coach, I'm disappointed with the loss, but the boys showed heart and fight. To compete against a top-tier team like Army shows we're in the right place as a program. With more time and experience, we'll continue to grow and improve," Ferris said.
The Knights made a concerted effort to neutralize Army's strengths, particularly in the lineout drive and scrum, and the forward pack put in a tremendous shift, often putting Southern Virginia on the front foot when they had possession.
Team captain Melipone Aisea and vice-captain Michael Golden were standouts, leading from the front on both attack and defense. Ammon Key also made his presence felt with powerful ball carries and strong defensive efforts. Coach Ferris highlighted freshman Mosese Luveitasau, who stepped into the first five-eighth role and performed well before leaving the game with an injury early in the second half.
Ferris also acknowledged the large crowd, saying, "A huge thank you to all those who came out to support. The crowd was fantastic, and it made the occasion even more special."
The Knights look forward to returning home on Friday, October 11, for a matchup against Mount St. Mary's, where they will continue to build on their performance.
For the latest updates on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_rugby on Instagram.
