RedStorm routs IUP in debut of new head coach

Rio Grande Sports Information
     INDIANA, Pa. - The University of Rio Grande men's rugby team made new head coach Brad Sandig's debut a successful one, rolling to a 35-15 rout of perennial power Indiana University (Pa.), Sunday morning, in non-conference play at the South Campus Pitch.
     The contest was the season opener for both squads.
     "The boys played some good rugby as we kicked off our season with a nice win," said Sandig. "We were able to rotate all our eligible players through, which gave us a good look at different combinations."
     The RedStorm grabbed a 14-5 halftime advantage thanks to successful tries by sophomore Bobby Ward (Madison, WI) and senior Solomone Ahoia (Los Angeles, CA) and a pair of conversion kicks from sophomore Thibault Carrere (Dax, Landes, France).
     The Crimson Hawks scored the first points after the intermission, closing the deficit to 14-10.
     However, that was as close as the Hawks would get the rest of the way.
     Tries by sophomore Joshua Howgate (Leeds, England) and senior Che Spiotti (Charlotte, NC) - along with conversions by Carrere, extended the Rio lead to 28-10 and, after another IUP score, Ahoia followed with his second try of the day.
     Carrere's conversion kick set the final score.
     "The platform is there and we'll continue to build on it," Sandig said. "I'm excited and encouraged by what I saw as we look ahead to our next game at home."
     Rio Grande will host the University of Tennessee on Sept. 14 at Red Valley Pitch.
     Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
     The Volunteers open their season on Friday against Queens (N.C.) University.