Gulls Stand Out On National Stage

HOUSTON, Texas — Endicott men's rugby student-athletes Matthew Bant (Jenkintown, Pa.), Brad DiGiacomo (Simsbury, Conn.), and Matthew Gash-Gilder (Kalispell, Mont.) all shined on the pitch at last weekend's National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) Men's All-Star Shield Challenge.

The two-day tournament featured 300 of the best student-athletes from all three divisions in collegiate rugby (I, II, Small College). All participants were selected based on regional tryout performances and coach nominations.

Gash-Gilder highlighted the Gulls in the tournament by playing a pivotal role in the New England Independents — Red Team's (first side) perfect 6-0 championship run.

Gash-Gilder scored two tries and showcased an incredible work rate in the rucks, both on offense and defense, to aid the New England Independents — Red Team to their championship weekend.

Meanwhile, Bant and DiGiacomo were instrumental to the New England Independents — White Team's (second side) success. 

Bant scored a try, made hard throws in lineouts under very difficult situations, and was a monster in the poach. 

DiGiacomo, on the other hand, proved successful in maintaining rucks while also being a leader on defense with his strong tackling abilities.

YEAR IN REVIEW

Endicott, who was ranked as high as No. 3 in the country throughout the fall season, finished its 2021 campaign with a 6-1 record en route to defeating No. 14 Salve Regina in the Colonial Coast Rugby Conference (CCRC) Championship, 38-14.

From there, the Gulls advanced to the NCR Northeast Regional Championship, but, ultimately fell to No. 6 Holy Cross, 34-27, in the title game.

Endicott's spring season will begin in March.

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(Photo Credit - Endicott men's rugby)