TUCSON, Ariz. - The Davenport men's rugby team picked a good time to get hot in the desert for USA Rugby College National 7s over the last few days. The Panthers finished third in the D1A division, the top division in the tournament.

Day One
The Panthers drew Cal Poly and Central Washington in their pool, both very experienced 7s teams. Davenport started the tournament slowly against Cal Poly slipping to a 7 - 0 scoreline in the first few minutes of the match before the team came to life scoring 33 points to finish the game as 33 - 12 winners. Central Washington were up next, a top rugby program in the Northwest. Davenport came fired up for the big game and scored three unanswered tries in the first half to go up 19 - 0 at the break. CWU played a very spirited second half, scoring three unanswered tries of their own, to even the score 19 - 19 with one minute to play. Davenport, with their backs against the wall defended valiantly, but CWU scored with time up on the clock to win the match 24 -19. DU finished day one as the second seed but still qualified for the quarterfinals on day two. 

Day Two
The Cup quarterfinal opponents were the formidable Notre Dame College (Ohio) Falcons, the physical Midwest team who have plenty of experienced 7s players on their roster. Davenport was determined to progress through to the next round and played their best game of the tournament thus far. It was an outstanding team performance from each and every individual who took the field. Defensively, the team was rock solid, Notre Dame was only able to breach their define line once while DU scored four tries of their own to finish the match 22 - 5 winners. American International College (AIC) were up next in the Cup semifinals. DU was well prepared for a tough match against a feisty AIC team looking to book a Cup final spot. Unfortunately Davenport didn't have enough possession of the ball to showcase their ability and some crucial calls went against them during important parts of the match. The team went down to 21 - 10 to AIC.
 
This meant that the team would play for the third place medal. DU were to meet Central Washington again who were confident after beating the team in pool play the day before. The loss against AIC hurt the team and the desire to win was evident from the very first play of the game. The team saved their best performance for their most important match of the tournament. To a man, the DU team played their hearts out. DU took an early lead, but CWU hit back with two tries in the first half to be ahead 10 - 5 at the break. With plenty to prove, DU rallied and scored two superb team tries to pull ahead 19 - 10 with two minutes to play. CWU wouldn't give up, scoring another try with a minute to play. DU's determination was evident throughout the entire match but none more so than the final moments of the match. DU proved to be too good for CWU this time around and won the match 19 - 15 to take the third place medal.

story contribution from Lance Hohaia