The McKendree University men's rugby team went 1-1-1 on Saturday against the Iowa State Cyclones in Ames, Iowa.

Game one saw Iowa State strike first with a try but failed on the conversion. McKendree would answer off an Andre Greenup (Round Rock, Texas/Stony Point High School) try at the death, but the conversion would be no good, resulting in a 5-5 tie to end game one.

Game two would see McKendree come away with a 19-5 win. McKendree would record three tries, with two in the first half and one in the second half, all by senior Ayemere Oiyemhonlan (Hercules, CA/Deer Valley). McKendree would convert on two of those tries. Iowa State would record a try as time expired to get them on the board.

"We struggled at times offensively today but put in a solid defensive effort. It was good to see the guys come together and execute in match two," said head coach Joe Lippert.

Game Three would see Iowa State strike first to go up 5-0. Freshman Dalton Viglasky (Waterloo, IL) would score a try for the Bearcats on a long break away and sophomore Trevor Gillen (Saint Charles, MO./Francis Howell North) would convert to put McKendree up 7-5. ISU would answer with own converted try, but Gillen would strike back but fail to convert to tie the match at twelve. Iowa State would edge McKendree with one final try to secure a 17-12 victory.

"Match three was about trying new combinations and getting everyone quality playing time," said Lippert. "Considering all the guys playing out of position and regular starters on the bench, we did well. Big thanks to Iowa State for having us up and hosting three quality matches. They are a good side and pushed us all day."

The Bearcats return to action on April 17 when they travel to Indianapolis to take on Marian University.