Rugby Drops Season Opener to JMU

Front Royal, Va. – The Christendom Crusaders opened their fall rugby season at home on Saturday, falling 34-8 to the visiting James Madison Dukes.

JMU drew first blood with an early try to take a 5-0 lead. The Crusaders responded midway through the first half, as Hugh McCloskey connected on a kick with 17 minutes left to bring Christendom within 5-3. From that point, the Dukes asserted control, extending their advantage to 17-3 by halftime and then 34-3 in the second half. Jimmy Coffey added a late try for Christendom, accounting for the final points of the day and setting the scoreboard at 34-8.

Despite the loss, the Crusaders showed flashes of determination and will look to build on those efforts in upcoming games.