Spartanburg, S.C. — The Southern Virginia University men's rugby team dominated from start to finish at the College Rugby Association of America's 2025 Fall Classic, bringing home the championship trophy and earning the title of Men's Upstate Challenge Champions with a commanding 73–0 victory over Florida State University.

The Knights' performance was highlighted by Kahanu Koi, who delivered a stellar outing on both sides of the ball and was named Player of the Match.

Southern Virginia wasted no time asserting control. After scooping up a loose ball in the opening minutes, the Knights marched downfield with powerful runs from Saveaalii Fitisemanu before Pone Aisea punched in the first try just before the three-minute mark. Koi's first successful conversion set the early tone at 7–0.

Florida State attempted to respond, but the Knights' physicality and disciplined defense continually turned them away. In the 15th minute, Saki Tikotani broke free and offloaded to Tevita Vaea, who weaved through tackles for the second try. Another clean conversion made it 14–0.

Moments later, Malakai Volavola delivered a crushing hit that forced an errant Seminole pass. Koi pounced, kicking ahead and collecting the ball for his own try, then converting to extend the lead to 21–0.

The Knights continued rolling as Fitisemanu fed Vaea again, who sliced through the defense with electrifying speed for a 28–0 lead. Koi remained perfect on conversions.

In the 27th minute, Weston Memmott muscled across the line after a powerful team surge, giving the Knights a commanding 38–0 advantage at halftime—Koi now 5-for-5 on conversions.

Southern Virginia struck immediately out of the break. Fitisemanu exploded through the middle, setting up John Mann for a try in the 44th minute. Koi's sixth conversion pushed the lead to 45–0.

Shortly afterward, Fitisemanu broke loose again—this time taking a scrum pickup nearly the length of the field for his first try of the day, further widening the margin to 52–0.

Florida State showed some fight, pushing deep into Knight territory, but the Southern Virginia defense held firm. A dynamic sequence from Koi—zigzagging past defenders—nearly added another try before the play was stopped just short.

As the match progressed, Tikotani burst through the line and connected with Falo, who finished the turnover try to make it 57–0 in the 71st minute.

Volavola added another try in the 76th minute, and Koi stayed perfect with his seventh conversion before adding a penalty goal for 66–0.

The final score came courtesy of Tikotani, whose try capped the day at 73–0, with Vaea knocking through the last conversion.

Player of the Match, Kahanu Koi:

"Oh man, it wasn't just me—it was the whole team. The boys did good. Super proud of everybody. We really wanted this win, came out here, tried our best, and got the win. Our coaches have a lot of knowledge, and we're just trying to soak up everything they offer us."

Head Coach Paul Lasike:

"It's awesome. We're grateful for the opportunity to be in this tournament. We've got a good group of guys—talented boys—and it's exciting to see what's coming."

The Knights wrap up the 15's Fall Season on a high note with anticipation building for a action packed spring.