Penn Makes "The Best" of the Bermuda Weather
The University of Pennsylvania is no stranger to URugby events, but this was their first appearance in the Ariel Re Bermuda 7s. According to President Matthew Caltabiano, the team took full advantage of being in the warm weather. "After our practice on Friday morning we all went to Horseshoe Bay Beach and jumped in the water to cool down," Caltabiano said while reflecting on the team's trip to Bermuda.
He went on to discuss the perfection of the weather during the matches. The team also took notice of the difference in Bermuda grass. "The grass was some of the nicest we've ever played on. Guys were commenting on how much easier it was to cut and make moves than on the usual turf we play on," Caltabiano stated.
Although the University of Pennsylvania's Ariel Re Bermuda 7s trip started off a little shaky, they were able to turn it around to finish with a record of 4-2. Their first match was against the host Ariel Re All Stars team that ended in a 29 - 5 loss. Penn's following game was also a tough opponent, Kutztown University's second side. Kutztown University's Seconds won in a landslide by a score of 35 to 5. From that game on, it was only uphill for Penn. They concluded their first day of competition with a 17 to 14 victory over Norwich University.
Penn came out of the gate hot on the second day of competition by blanking the University at Albany by a score of 39 to nil. Their success continued with a 31 to 7 victory over St. Joseph's Second Side. They concluded their trip with a rematch against Norwich University that produced similar results, a 19 to 10 victory.
Matthew Caltabiano and the rest of the University of Pennsylvania's Rugby team took full advantage of the unique location of the tournament. On Saturday, after the tournament, the entire team decided to go downtown into Hamilton to capture the full Bermuda experience. The trip also provided the Quakers the opportunity to meet other college rugby programs and build a relationship with local competition. "While downtown we went out with the guys from St. Joe's with our coaches and theirs we had a blast. The team's experience was very positive."
2017 Ariel Re Bermuda 7s - University of Pennsylvania Results
University of Pennsylvania 19 vs 10 Norwich University (Bowl Round Robin)
University of Pennsylvania 31 vs 7 St. Joseph's University II (Bowl Round Robin)
University of Pennsylvania 39 vs 0 University at Albany (Bowl Round Robin)
Norwich University 14 vs 17 University of Pennsylvania (Pool)
Kutztown University II 35 vs 5 University of Pennsylvania (Pool)
Ariel Re All Stars 29 vs 5 University of Pennsylvania (Pool)
