West Point, N.Y. – The Southern Virginia rugby team went on the road to face Army at West Point, ultimately falling 25-51 in a physical contest.

The opening exchanges saw the Knights pinned deep, unable to clear past midfield despite some strong phases and scrums. Army capitalized first, punching in a try off a penalty opportunity 10 minutes into the game to go up 5-0 after a missed conversion.

Southern Virginia answered quickly when Pone Aisea powered through on a charging run that set up a penalty. Kahanu Koi slotted the kick to cut the deficit to 5-3.

Army responded off an SVU offside penalty, working the ball to the goal line for another try and a successful conversion, extending their lead to 12-3. The Knights fired back immediately as both Koi's and Tevita Vaea strung together carries before Viliami Esikia pushed the ball near the line and Malakai Volavola finished with a try to make it 12-8.

The Black Knights struck again with back-to-back tries off a scrum and quick breaks to push ahead 24-8, then capitalized on a mishandled pass to stretch the lead to 29-8.

Southern Virginia kept fighting, as Esikia powered downfield before Aisea barreled across the line for his first try. Koi's conversion cut the margin to 29-15. Army answered quickly, however, returning a box kick for another try to make it 34-15 before halftime.

The second half opened with Army taking advantage of another miscue, pushing the lead to 39-15. They continued their momentum with a steady build-up and offload play for a 44-15 advantage.

The Knights powered back when the team chased down a kick and Saveaalii Fitisemanu scored the try to close the gap to 44-20. Army responded with another try to move ahead 51-20, but Southern Virginia refused to quit. Weston Memmott muscled through defenders late for the Knights' final try, bringing the score to 51-25 before the match was called in the 71st minute.

Southern Virginia now looks to regroup as they return home to host Life University in Buena Vista on Saturday, October 11, with kickoff set for 11:00 a.m.