After a strong showing against Syracuse at Rugby Fest and clinching a playoff birth for the first time since 2016, the Red Ruggers earned the #2 seed in the West Division, and travelled to Springfield, MA, to face #1 seed in the East Division – AIC.
Entering Sunday's match, AIC was ranked #7 in NCR, and Fairfield was ranked #11. It was previewed as an insight to just how strong the Liberty Rugby Conference is in Division 1. The winner advances to the Liberty Conference Championship and earns a bid to NCR National Playoffs.
Unfortunately, Fairfield started out flat. It took AIC less than 3 minutes to match down the field. They earned a penalty and converted the goal for a 3-0 lead. Less than 2 minutes later, AIC took the kickoff back for a try. Just like that…it was 8-0 AIC, less than 6 minutes into the game.
Fairfield would score next, 10 minutes later. There were flashes of brilliance in phase play and Danny Enright 'grad kicked well in the midfield to pressure AIC's defense. Earning a penalty in front of goal, scoring sensation Chris Giunta '25 converted to make it 8-3 AIC.
Even more unfortunate…this is how the day was slated to go…Fairfield would score…and AIC would score again. 12 minutes later, AIC scored a converted try, and ended the half up 15-3. The chatter at halftime for Fairfield was VERY positive; there wasn't a doubt in anyone's mind that Fairfield could win this game. We just had to minimize the mistakes, support the ball, and maintain our structure. We did these things in spurts…but not enough to get the win.
Nick Lapponese '23 stormed down the field and scored 3:30 minutes into the 2nd Half, bringing AIC's lead to 15-8. Once again, AIC counter-punched less than 3 minutes after that score to lead 20-8. AIC's missed conversions kept Fairfield in the game. Giunta '25 chipped away at AIC's lead w/ a penalty goal to bring it to 20-11 AIC. Finally, Fairfield logged a consecutive score with a try from Stephen Ryan '23. AIC now leads 20-16…and you could feel Fairfield gearing up for the knock-out punch. Credit to AIC…just when they seemed done they dug deep. AIC scored to lead 26-16.
Chris Giunta '25 refused to be denied, and found the try zone and converted his own score to bring Fairfield to within 2 points; AIC leads 25-23 with 16:00 left in the game. Again, AIC stood tall, scoring a converted try and leading 32-23.
Fairfield marched down the field, but needing 2 scores, opted for the Giunta '25 penalty goal to trail 26-32 with 2:00 left. The goal is to take our time to march down the field, retain ball, and find a weakness in AIC's defense. Though Fairfield made it past midfield, AIC stole the ball, won a penalty, and slotted the goal at the death to bring the final to 35-26.
Fairfield's tremendous season still continues as it faces Dartmouth on Saturday 11/5 at Fairfield as part of the Liberty Rugby Conference Championship and Challenge. A Fairfield win earns them the 3rd seed from Liberty Conference and a birth into NCR National Playoffs!
On to Dartmouth…
Match Reports submitted by Austin Ryan, Director of Rugby/Men's Head Coach.
