Site: Grand Rapids, Mich (DU Turf Field)
Score: No. 8 Davenport 12, Arkansas State 49
Records: DU (3-3, ASU (5-0)
Next DU event: Saturday, Oct. 18 – vs. Wheeling Jesuit – 2:30 p.m. (DU Turf Field)
 
Grand Rapids, Mich. – The eighth-ranked men's rugby team was back in action Friday night as they came off an almost three-week break of play. The Panthers hosted cross-country rival Arkansas State in the much anticipated homecoming match, but couldn't seem to get things rolling as they fell to the Red Wolves 78-0.
 
The Panthers were unable to win the field position battle as the Red Wolves found themselves in scoring position numerous times in the first half. 20 minutes into the game, Arkansas' Lategen crossed the try zone to give the Red Wolves a 7-0 lead. After another Arkansas State try, the Panthers were able to get on the board behind the leg of Jean Pierre Eloff. After three successful Eloff penalty kicks and another try from Arkansas State, the Panthers went into the half trailing 19-9
 
The second half sang a familiar song as Arkansas came out firing with 14 unanswered points, before Eloff was able to convert on his fourth penalty kick of the night. Arkansas ended the game with a 13-0 run and defeated Davenport by a score of 49-12. This was the biggest defeat the Panthers have faced all season.
 
JP Eloff was the only Panther to record any points for Davenport, as he was 4 of 5 on his penalty kicks. Davenport was unable to record a try for the second time this season.
 
Davenport will look to rebound from this tough loss as they stay home next Saturday, October 18 to take on a top 20 opponent in Wheeling Jesuit. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m.
 
Men's Rugby Contact: Paul Anderson | 616-889-4062 | panderson30@email.davenport.edu
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