UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The top-ranked Navy men's rugby team (5-0, 4-0 Rugby East) jumped out to a 19-0 first half lead en route to a 36-7 victory over 10th-ranked Penn State (1-4, 0-4 Rugby East) Saturday in University Park, Pa. The game marked the Mids' first road game of the season.
 
"We're happy with the outcome of today's game," Navy director of rugby Gavin Hickie said. "Penn State proved to be a tough team to beat on the road. We stuck to our game plan and executed well for the most part. Four wins with maximum points in the Rugby East Conference is very satisfying, and now all our attention is firmly on Air Force and Army."
 
The Midshipmen controlled the tempo from the opening whistle and built an early 12-0 lead behind a pair of tries from Avion Ganse. Roanin Krieger converted both scores to give Navy firm control midway through the first half.
 
Jake Cornelius added a try late in the first period, followed by another Krieger conversion to send the Mids into halftime ahead 19-0.
 
The Nittany Lions' offense eventually broke through in the 45th minute to close to within 12 points as the Mids led 19-7.
 
Navy's defense buckled down after giving up a try, while the offense continued to roll. Team co-captain Austin Taylor and Adam Mertens each crossed the try line and Krieger added his third conversion of the match. Liam Gray sealed the win with a penalty kick in the closing minutes.
 
Up Next
The Mids will have a week off before facing service academy rival Air Force for the Lt. Col. Kevin Shea Trophy on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Prusmack Rugby Center in Annapolis.
 
Box Score
2:04 – Try – Navy – Avion Ganse (5-0)
 
8:39 – Try – Navy – Avion Ganse (10-0)
Conversion kick – Roanin Krieger (12-0)
 
40:00 – Try – Navy – Jake Cornelius (17-0)
Conversion kick – Roanin Krieger (19-0)
 
45:09 – Try – Penn State (19-5)
Conversion kick (19-7)
 
54:44 – Try – Navy – Austin Taylor (24-7)
Conversion kick – Roanin Krieger (26-7)
 
61:15 – Try – Navy – Adam Mertens (31-7)
Conversion kick – Roanin Krieger (33-7)
 
75:50 – Penalty kick – Navy – Liam Gray (36-7)