The St. Edward’s University Rugby Football Club’s undefeated run came to an end with a loss to Occidental College in the Elite Eight round last weekend in Nebraska.

After a 16-hour bus ride to Nebraska the evening of March 31 and into the morning of April 1, the team was greeted by over 150 rowdy Wayne State College fans April 2 in the Sweet 16 game.

Although Wayne State scored within the first three minutes, St. Edward’s  answered back with a few tries, ending the half with the lead.

In the second half, Wayne State made a strong effort to come back, but St. Edward’s took the victory 19-17.

The next day held the game that determined who would continue on to Virginia Beach for the National Championship.

Occidental College won the first half by 18 points. St. Edward’s was able to knock the difference down to only two points in the second half, but Occidental continued scoring.

With 30 seconds left, Occidental was ahead 25–20. St. Edward’s scored again but it was disallowed, ending the game in Occidental’s favor.

“There were some questionable calls,” junior Robbie Stephens said.

Despite the bitter ending, the team is proud of what they have accomplished and is looking forward to moving up and competing in Division II next year.

“To go from winning a few games to playing in the Elite Eight of college rugby is a pretty big deal,” sophomore Brendan Yancy said.

The team plans to continue working together off the field in the upcoming Big Event. They also hope to be back on the field to play over the summer in preparation for next season.