UMW welcomed Towson to Fredericksburg for Homecoming Saturday and it was a perfect day for everything that makes our club great! UMW swept Towson 92-0 in the Premier Match and in the Futures Competition also won 41-7 off some very strong performances.

In between the matches – in front of a large homecoming crowd, athletic director Patrick Cutillo presented last year’s team with their national championship rings. It was a great day for alums, parents, fans, and of course the players. Both teams wore purple socks to recognize coach Stu Penninger’s sister, Rozy, as she successfully battles Leukemia. The team gave her a jersey from last year’s championship season before the ring ceremony.

In the the first side game UMW improved to 4-0 on the season in conference with very strong performances from all 15 starters – hard to single any one person out but it is easiest to recognize the try scorers: Jordan Sacks (2), Matt Gordon, Harry Masters (3), Kyle McPhillips, Joe Callery (2), Tamilore Awonusi (2), Michael Sacks, Bradlee Nicholls, and Seamus Brennan all got on the board.

Aidan Gallager was lethal with his boot converting from all over and made 11 out of 14 conversions, many from long range. Other highlights included the overall play of Harry Masters at scrumhalf, two electric tries from winger Tamilore Awonusi and the general excellence of all the players that subbed in early in the second half. It was a true 23-man effort.

In the second match UMW improved to 4-0 with another outstanding effort from some fast-improving freshman and sophomores.

UMW travels to always tough Virginia Tech who is tied with UMW at the top of the league. Of note, UMW has not won in Blacksburg in over 25 years and VT is sure to be skilled and physical.

Many thanks to the alums and parents that traveled from all over the country and all over the world to be here for this special weekend.