EVANSTON, Ill. - The Davenport men's rugby team headed to Northwestern University for the second leg of the Big 10 7's series. DU was looking to back up their first place from the previous tournament two weeks prior in Ann Arbor. The team went through the three pool games relatively unscathed. The first two pool games were high scoring affairs with great contributions from all members of the squad. Purdue in the third pool game provided a scare for the team with a strong defense game and two quick tries from DU mistakes. The team rallied and scored four unanswered tries to finish the match 24 -10.

DU faced Wisconsin in the quarterfinal and Wisconsin held the lead for large portions of the match. DU was able to come from behind and score two crucial tries in the dying minutes to finish the match 24 - 19. The semifinal against Lindenwood-Belleville was a rematch of the final from two weeks prior where Davenport was victorious. Lindenwood-Belleville scored two early tries and DU was down 12 - 0 at halftime in a spirited display. The team scored the only points in the second half to bring the scoreline to 12 - 10 with time up on the clock. DU had an opportunity to even the score and go into extra time, but the kick from the sideline was unsuccessful and DU went down 12 - 10 to the eventual tournament winners. DU played Minnesota in the third place match and bounced back from the semifinal disappointment with 47 - 5 win. The team will know if they qualify for 7's Nationals on May 1st.