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Monday, April 9, 2012

Stanford Defeats Chico in Season Finale

Stanford, California – Saturday April 7th

Stanford won the final game of the 2012 season by defeating Chico State 33-15. The match was Stanford’s 2nd victory over the Wildcats in 2012. In the first match, Stanford had to come from behind in dramatic fashion to win; in the second game it was Stanford who got out to an early lead. After twenty minutes of scoreless play that saw Stanford have the run of play in regards to territory and possession, Stanford finally broke the line in the 26th minute through a Zach Yohannes try. Stanford then began to pour on the pressure for the remainder of the half, which resulted in three more tries, two by Marcus Henderson and another by Orfeo Tagiuri. Jason Liljenquist converted three of the four tries, and Stanford had a commanding 26-0 lead at the break.

Despite the lopsided score line, Chico came climbing back into the game in the second stanza, and scored the first three tries (all unconverted) in the 45th, 50th, and 54th minutes to bring the score to 26-15 with a quarter of the game remaining. While Stanford remained on the back foot, they scrambled to prevent a few close Chico opportunities, and eventually turned the momentum tide behind a long Liam McNally try in the 74th minute, and the game finished minutes later with the Cardinal celebrating the seasons last game with a 33-15 victory

Later in the day, the Stanford 2nd XV match Stanford fell to Chico State and the 3rd XV were defeated by San Jose State.

Stanford 1st XV vs. Chico State

1: Patrick Quigley 2: Ryan Swaboda (Jeremy Kim) 3: Zach Yohannes 4: Reed Johnson (Nat Oliver) 5: Austin Carey (Chris Herries/Alex Selowsky) 6: Devin Guillory 7: Dan Agness 8: Alex Menke 9: Dan Ibarra (Masato Kuok) 10: Jason Liljenquist (Marcus Turner) 11: Matt Duenas 12: Liam McNally 13: Marcus Henderson (Gianni Maize) 14: Orfeo Tagiuri 15: Chase Russell

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Cardinal Unable to Recover Against Hornets

Sacramento, California. Saturday March 17

Stanford fell behind early in Sacramento against the Sacramento State Hornets on St. Paddy’s Day, and despite a much-improved second half, they were unable to recover eventually falling 24-41. It was Stanford that struck first off of a flowing counter attack movement in which wing Orfeo Tagiuri touched down to take a 5-0 lead. However, the rest of the half was all Sacramento State, as they were able to score three tries in minutes 9, 21, and 36, and add a penalty kick as well for a commanding 24-5 half time lead. Despite giving up the first second half score to the Hornets, Stanford clawed their way back into the match, scoring three second half tries, but it was too little too late for the Cardinal and they were unable to mount the full comeback. There were many bright spots for the Cardinal, including the play of senior captain Alex Menke who led from the front with many hard charging runs, as well as the hard work and improvement of a very young tight five, consisting of four freshmen and a sophomore. On the whole, six freshmen and two sophomores started for a very young Stanford team.

In the 2nd XV match, a last minute try by hooker Dan Nelsen, and conversion by Vala Dormiani, led to a thrilling come from behind 24-22 victory for Stanford. Winger Griffin Nosenzo had multiple long runs and scored two second half tries in securing the win.

Stanford concludes their 2012 season on April 7th when they take on Chico State at home, a team they defeated earlier this year.

Next Up:
Saturday April 7: Chico State @ Stanford @ 2:00 pm (2nd Side to follow after)

Stanford 1st XV vs. Sacramento State

1: Patrick Quigley 2: Jeremy Kim 3: Phillip Jones (Uche Omegara) (Cameron Bailey) 4: Reed Johnson 5: Austin Carey 6: Alex Selowsky 7: Devin Guillory 8: Alex Menke 9: Dan Ibarra 10: Jason Liljenquist (Marcus Turner) 11: Matt Duenas 12: Liam McNally 13: Marcus Henderson 14: Orfeo Tagiuri 15: Chase Russell

Monday, March 12, 2012

Stanford Loses Tight Match to Santa Clara

Stanford, California. Saturday March 10

Stanford eventually fell to Conference leading Santa Clara University 33-22 in a tight see-saw battle that saw four lead changes and a halftime tie. Stanford scored first after tenacious defense backed Santa Clara up to their own goal line, and the Cardinal then drove over from a lineout for a 2nd minute score by Dan Ibarra. Santa Clara would bounce back to score the next two tries in the 15th and 22nd minutes, one by way of a multi phase well coordinated attack, and the second by way of a intercept of a Stanford pass against the run of play. Stanford fought back to score shortly before the half on a bulldozing run by center Liam McNally. Flyfhalf Jason Liljenquist converted the score for a 12-12 half time tie.

In the second half, Stanford started strong and scored quickly to start the half again, this time by way of flanker Devin Guillory. For the next 15 minutes, Santa Clara elevated their game and jumped on Stanford mistakes, scoring three tries, converting two, and re-taking the jumping out to a 33-17 lead. Stanford didn’t give up and an Alex Selowsky try put the game back within reach with nine minutes to go, but the Cardinal couldn’t work another come back like the week before, and at the final whistle, Santa Clara remained in front 33-22.

Next Up:
Saturday March 17: Stanford @ Sacramento State @ 1:00 pm (2nd Side to follow after)

Stanford 1st XV vs. Santa Clara

1: Patrick Quigley (Uche Omegara) 2: Ryan Swaboda (Jeremy Kim) 3: Zach Yohannes 4: Reed Johnson 5: Austin Carey 6: Devin Guillory (Alex Selowsky) 7: Dan Agness 8: Alex Menke 9: Dan Ibarra 10: Jason Liljenquist (Marcus Turner) 11: Matt Duenas 12: Liam McNally 13: Marcus Henderson 14: Orfeo Tagiuri 15: Chase Russell

Thursday, March 8, 2012

STANFORD RUGBY “TRY’S FOR OTHERS” IN SAN JOSE CHARITY RACE

On Sunday March 11, 2012, Stanford Rugby will participate in the San Jose 408K ‘Race To The Row’ benefitting the Pat Tillman Foundation. In partnership with Try For Others (TFO), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping critically injured athletes live a more active and independent lifestyle, Stanford Rugby will have both the men’s and women’s teams represent Team TFO at the inaugural 8K race.

The event, which Stanford Rugby is using as a fundraiser, has raised over $10,000 to support their program and adopted charities. TFO will be sponsoring a field of disabled athletes to race alongside the team, including a number of injured military veterans.

“Try For Others (TFO) is thrilled to have so many Stanford Rugby players represent Team TFO at the 408K,” said TFO Founder Dominic Cooke. “Through their support, we are able to honor the legacy of Pat Tillman and provide opportunities for challenged athletes to defy stereotypes and challenge their limitations."

The sold-out race begins at the HP Pavillon in downtown San Jose before finishing at the beautiful Santana Row. Those interested in supporting Stanford Rugby with their fundraising efforts can make donations at www.teamtfo.org

Additional information can be found at http://www.teamtfo.org

Monday, March 5, 2012

Big Stanford Comeback Leads to Victory at Chico State

Chico, California. Saturday March 3

In a scrappy and physical match, Stanford overcame a late twelve-point deficit with only twenty minutes remaining in the game to storm back with twenty unanswered points and beat Chico State 27-19. Stanford struck early in the first minute when off the first scrum of the game winger Orfeo Tagiuri broke the Chico defensive line form 40-meters out and darted between the posts for the try. Flyhalf Jason Liljenquist converted the score for a 7-0 Stanford lead. The rest of the half was a sea saw battle, but continued Stanford offside penalties led to a Stanford yellow card, and three Chico State penalty kicks, completing the half with Chico up 9-7.

Early in the second half, Stanford continued to be plagued by penalties and after another Stanford yellow card, Chico added a penalty and a long range breakaway converted try for a 19-7 lead. It was at this point that Stanford stormed back into the game. Led by an Alex Menke and another Tagiuri try, both converted by Liljenquist, who also hit two penalty kicks to finish 6 for 6 in kicking, Stanford stunned the home Chico crowd to earn a tough 27-19 road victory. Stanford (1-2) takes on Conference leading Santa Clara (2-1) at home next Saturday.

Next Up:
Saturday March 10: Santa Clara at Stanford @ 1:00 pm (2nd Side to follow after)

Stanford 1st XV vs. Chico State

1: Patrick Quigley 2: Ryan Swaboda 3: Zach Yohannes 4: Reed Johnson 5: Austin Carey 6: Devin Guillory 7: Dan Agness 8: Alex Menke 9: Dan Ibarra 10: Jason Liljenquist 11: Matt Duenas 12: Liam McNally 13: Marcus Henderson 14: Orfeo Tagiuri 15: Chase Russell

Monday, February 27, 2012

Stanford Comeback Falls One Point Short Against Sacramento State

Stanford, California. Saturday February 25

In a close and physical affair, Stanford fell to Sacramento State, leaders in the Northern California Rugby Conference by a one point 22-23 deficit. It was Stanford who led at the half 12-8, after two first half tries, the first on a beautiful counter attack that saw wings Matt Duenas and Orfeo Tagiurui hook up to make a break before feeding outside center Marcus Henderson for the try. The second came after a Ryan Swaboda turnover led to a long break by scrum half Dan Ibarra. Stanford lost the lead early in the second half after a Sacramento State try and Penalty. The visitors were able to control much of the field position and possession in the second half, largely due to a Sacramento State advantage in the scrum. After a Stanford penalty, with minutes to go, Sacramento State scored another try they converted to take a commanding 23-15, but Stanford stormed back, scoring a converted try in the final minute and setting up one final Stanford possession. The Cardinal received the kick off and started to make in roads into Sacramento State territory, but an isolated ball carrier led to a turnover and a comeback was not to be. Overall, the performance by the Cardinal was much improved from the week before, and Stanford (0-2 in Conference Play) goes on the road to take on Chico State team (1-1 in Conference Play).

Next Up:
Saturday March 3: @ Chico State@ 2:30pm (2nd Side to follow after)

Stanford 1st XV vs. Cal

1: Nat Oliver (Phillip Jones) 2: Ryan Swaboda 3: Zach Yohannes (Uche Omegara) 4: Reed Johnson 5: Austin Carey 6: Alex Selowsky (Devin Guillory) 7: Dan Agness 8: Alex Menke 9: Dan Ibarra 10: Jason Liljenquist 11: Matt Duenas 12: Liam McNally 13: Marcus Henderson 14: Orfeo Tagiuri 15: Chase Russell

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Stanford Drops Conference Opener to Santa Clara on the Road

Santa Clara, California. Friday February 17

In front of a large and hostile crowd celebrating Santa Clara homecoming week, Stanford lost their conference opener to an adventurous Santa Clara team. Stanford opened the match scoring the first try and led much of the first half, but after three consecutive yellow cards, the second to one player resulting in a red card, Stanford gave up the lead and three tries resulting in a 7-19 halftime score. Despite being down a man for most of the first half and the entire second half, Stanford rallied back early in the second period, scoring a try off a reclaimed chip and chase by flyhalf Chase Russell who offloaded to hooker Ryan Swaboda for the try. After pulling within one score, Stanford were unable to capitalize on their own opportunities, making unforced errors in their opponents end, and made poor tactical decisions in their own half, giving Santa Clara too many chances in Stanford’s half. In the final twenty minutes, Stanford let in three tries, and the game closed at 38-12. Stanford continues league play this weekend against Sacramento State, a team that one it’s conference opener again Chico State the previous week.

Next Up:
Saturday Feb 25: Sacramento State @ Steuber Field- Stanford @ 3:00pm *Parents Weekend

Stanford 1st XV vs. Cal

1: Nat Oliver 2: Ryan Swaboda (Jeremy Kim) 3: Zach Yohannes 4: Reed Johnson 5: Austin Carey 6: Joe Welch (Alex Selowsky) 7: Dan Agness 8: Alex Menke 9: Dan Ibarra 10: Chase Russell 11: Matt Duenas (Jason Liljenquist) 12: Liam McNally 13: Marcus Henderson (Gianni Maize) 14: Marcus Turner 15: Orfeo Tagiuri

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Monday, February 13, 2012

Stanford Finish 4-1 at Las Vegas Sevens- Take 9th Place

Las Vegas, Nevada- Saturday February 11th

Stanford swept through pool play finishing 3-0 after consecutive victories over Cal Poly (17-12), Georgia (24-0), and Albany (21-7). Stanford advanced to the cup quarterfinals before losing to an aggressive Stonybrook University side 0-12. In the final match, Stanford rebounded to beat Yale 21-0. Stanford finished the tournament tied for 9th out of 32 teams.

Stanford Las Vegas Sevens Squad:
Marcus Henderson, Marcus Turner, Orfeo Tagiuri, Chase Russell, Gianni Maize, Dan Ibarra, Alejandro Sanchez, Austin Carey, Wes LaGrandeur, Matt Duenas, Liam McNally, Alex Menke

Friday, February 3, 2012

Experienced Gaels Run Past Stanford

Stanford, California. Saturday Thursday February 2

For the second time in the past week, the Cardinal faced one of the top D1A rugby programs in the country, this time squaring off against the St. Mary’s College Gaels. The Gaels took the lead early and never looked back, running away with a 85-0 victory due to an impressive blend of speed, physicality, and experience. Like the previous weekends encounter with Cal, a young Stanford team comprising seven underclassmen, improved as the match went on, and showed moments and patches where they competed as equals with another of the nations finest. Stanford will have a week off next week, when they send a 7’s team down to the Las Vegas Invitational, and then will begin their D1AA Nor Cal Conference with a Friday night game against Santa Clara the following weekend.

Next Up:
Las Vegas Invitational: February 9-11 (Thursday-Saturday) in Las Vegas
@ Santa Clara: Friday February 17th at 6pm

Stanford 1st XV vs. Cal

1: Nat Oliver 2: Ryan Swaboda (Jeremy Kim) 3: Cameron Bailey (Uche Omegara) 4: Austin Carey (Stewart Youngblood) 5: Rush Moody (Alex Selowsky) 6: Paul Maler 7: Dan Agness 8: Alex Menke 9: Dan Ibarra 10: Chase Russell 11: Matt Duenas (Marcus Turner) 12: Liam McNally (Weston LaGrandeur) 13: Giani Maize 14: Alejandro Sanchez (Orfeo Tagiuri) 15: Marcus Henderson

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Stanford Suffer Big Defeat to Cal

Stanford, California. Saturday January 28th

Stanford suffered a tough loss to Cal in the annual scrum axe match on Saturday falling behind early and being out-paced for most of the match, especially early on. Cal started at a blistering pace and while the initial Cal attacks were repelled, an overwhelming Cal scrum was able to continuously regain possession and Cal was able to score early and often with the lion’s share of possession. While initially Stanford was well behind the pace of the defending D1A National Champions Cal, throughout the course of the game, Stanford continued to fight back and rose in their intensity, velocity and aggression as the game went on. The Cardinal will take the lessons learned in the tough encounter into another difficult opponent next up, a non-league match against St. Mary’s on Thursday night.

Next Up:
St. Mary’s at Stanford on Saturday January 28th at 2pm

Stanford 1st XV vs. Cal

1: Nat Oliver (Cameron Bailey) 2: Ryan Swaboda (Jeremy Kim) 3: Patrick Quigley (Uche Omegara) 4: Austin Carey 5: Stu Youngblood (Alex Selowsky) 6: Paul Maler 7: Dan Agness 8: Alex Menke 9: Dan Ibarra 10: Jason Liljenquist (Chase Russell) 11: Matt Duenas (Alejandro Sanchez) 12: Liam McNally13: Marcus Turner (Giani Maize) 14: Orfeo Tagiuri 15: Marcus Henderson