Buena Vista, Va. — The Southern Virginia University rugby team opened its spring season with a competitive 15s matchup against Queens University, falling just short in a hard-fought 32–26 contest.
The Knights struck first, setting the tone early with a powerful run from Saveaalii Fitisemanu, who broke through multiple defenders to score the opening try of the match. Kahanu Koi added the conversion to give Southern Virginia a 7–0 advantage.
The next ten minutes featured physical play from both sides, with strong scrummaging and tactical kicking as each team searched for space. Queens responded with a breakaway down the sideline off a well-placed kick, finishing the sequence with crisp passing to cut the lead to 7–5.
Josh Nelson led a strong attacking push for the Knights, but both defenses held firm through several phases. Queens eventually found momentum, scoring again to take a 12–7 lead and adding another try before halftime to stretch the margin to 17–7. Southern Virginia answered just before the break, as Weston Memmott delivered a pair of excellent throws, the second setting up Villiami Esikia for a try that pulled the Knights within 17–12 heading into halftime.
Queens came out energized in the second half, extending the lead to 22–12. Despite the deficit, the Knights continued to apply pressure. Kahanu Koi made several strong runs, and Southern Virginia spent multiple possessions deep in attacking territory, repeatedly knocking on the try line before finally breaking through late.
In the 71st minute, Fitisemanu capped off a determined drive led by Memmott and Pone Aisea to score his second try of the match. Saki Tikotani converted to bring the score to 22–19. Queens responded quickly with a try and conversion in the 78th minute to regain control.
Southern Virginia showed no quit in the closing moments. A strong run from Jayston Koi set up John Mann for a late try, and Tikotani once again converted to make it 29–26. However, time expired before the Knights could complete the comeback, ending the match at 32–26 in favor of Queens.
The Knights return to action on the road, traveling to face Mount St. Mary's University on Saturday, February 28, at 2:30 p.m.
For the latest updates on Southern Virginia University Rugby, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_rugby on Instagram.
