Pepperdine’s pack pulled off another impressive performance this weekend, beating USC 21-19. Though the undefeated Waves expected to defeat USC, they were surprised at how close USC managed to make the game. Senior Dalton Egger and junior Takuto Suzuki both scored spectacular tries.
Although USC started the match with an early try due to the talents of rising star Suzuki, the Waves were able to quickly tie the game.
Suzuki, during an impressive show of athleticism, managed to cut through USC’s backline and dash toward the trie zone. Building off of the momentum of his junior teammate Egger managed to dash past most of USC’s backline for a single-handed try.
“ I saw a gap, and I had to take it, and next thing I know I was past one dude then the next and then I had scored,” Egger said.
USC was able to return the favor and scored on the Waves near the end of the second half. However, the strength of the Waves’ backline was able to resist the Trojans’ press. The game was settled at a final score of 21-19.
Rugby continues off of an impressive last season and preseason. Though their conference has been restructured, the team’s performance doesn’t seem to have been affected. The team’s B-side also managed to defeat USC, with the pack and the backline held together strongly. The team plays in a tournament this Saturday and expects to finish amongsthe top tier.
“Last year we went into the turnament undersized in numbers and we won the whole thing. This year we have more athletes and depth in our roster,” senior Orlandon Sweeney said.
The team is confident now with its new depth and size in their charts their future in this conference is guaranteed.