Men’s rugby and men’s & women’s soccer finally returned to their home fields this past weekend, playing in their home openers in front of the passionate Christendom fanbase. Men’s rugby stunned Virginia Military Institute with a 74-7 win on Saturday, while women’s soccer defeated Patrick Henry College 8-0 and men’s soccer lost narrowly to Berkeley 3-2.
Men’s rugby entered their home opener hungry for a win over Virginia Military Institute (VMI) to start their season, especially after falling to them last year. That hunger was evident from the very start of the game, with Christendom pouring on 50 points in the first half alone. VMI managed only one try against the staunch Christendom defense, with the Crusaders ultimately winning 74-7. Hugh Wingate led the team with five tries, with Owen Kennedy not far behind with three tries. The resounding victory served as a strong opening statement to the rest of their conference and a justification for their #1 preseason ranking from National Collegiate Rugby.
The Lady Crusaders’ win over Patrick Henry marked their second of the season, after going 1-1 on the road to start their season. Christine McLaughlin again led the way for Christendom, scoring five goals in the contest. Miranda Keller and Lucy Stanford both shined in the net as well for Christendom, putting up the first shutout for Christendom on the year.
On Saturday, the men’s soccer team played in their season opener at home, taking on rival Berkeley-NJ. The Knights jumped on the board first, taking a 1-0 lead to open the game. Christendom showed a remarkable resiliency throughout the match, managing to tie the game twice. Mark LaRochelle led the way for the Crusaders, assisting on the first goal and scoring a tough shot off a free kick in the second half. Berkeley ultimately scored one last time and managed to hold that lead, defeating Christendom to start their season.
Men’s soccer will next play Patrick Henry on September 15 before traveled to Franciscan University on September 18. Women’s soccer will take on Hagerstown Community College for a rematch on September 16, while men’s rugby will play Hampden-Sydney College at home on September 18.