The physicality of the Men's Rugby match against Central Washington put the Gaels to the test. Siale Ofa ’28 is supported by King Matu ’24, MA ’25 on the right and Matthew Abbes ’26 on the left, challenging the Wildcats was they push forward on the field. / Photo by Rebecca Harper
The Gaels Wear Down Central Washington University in a Physical Matchup
The Wildcats were impressive early and made game play difficult for Saint Mary’s, but could not maintain the pressure. The reserves gave the final push to the finish line and secure SMC’s second ranked win, 33–13.
The Saint Mary’s Gaels went back and forth early with highly ranked Central Washington on Sunday, standing their ground defensively on their home pitch and wearing down their opponent from the north to secure a 33–13 victory. The physical Wildcats side was impressive early and made life difficult for Saint Mary’s, but could not maintain the pressure. The reserves gave the final push to the finish line and delivered the Gaels their second ranked win in as many weeks.
The win over Central Washington—and the fact that this was a ranked matchup—keeps the season trending in the right direction. Along with the fitness of the Gaels starters, the fact that substitutions played a key role speaks to the depth of the Gaels team as well.
The two sides started the match with a battle for territory. Plenty of kicking and set pieces went back and forth, with Central Washington on the beneficiary side for the most part. However, the Gaels stood their ground and stayed strong to keep the Wildcats off the scoreboard. It certainly helped that the Gaels were prepared for the physical play of their opponent.
“We knew coming into the week that they were physical. But we hit them hard, and we hit them really hard. Then it is our job to make the tackles and help the backs make big plays,” said John Battle Wilson '26.
“We knew coming into the week that they were physical. But we hit them hard, and we hit them really hard. Then it is our job to make the tackles and help the backs make big plays."
—John Battle Wilson ’26
The backs would indeed go on to make big plays, including big runs from the freshman Siale Ofa ’28. After Central Washington finally punched one in via a kicking play out wide to the wing, the Gaels got on the board in response. Mario Storti ’25 started a run to the outside and ran a switch with Ofa on the wing. His explosive speed took care of the rest and put the Gaels ahead 7–5.
After more stout defense led by Wilson and the forwards, Central Washington took a penalty kick to retake the lead 8–7. After a penalty committed by the visiting Wildcats, the Gaels got the ball out wide for an easily converted Ethan Younger ’27 try. Hunter Modlin ’24, MA ’25 made his second consecutive conversion, and Saint Mary’s took a 14–8 lead into the half.
Saint Mary’s had not gotten off to an ideal start, but they stayed composed at the half, looking to play a complete 80-minute match. After a yellow card was issued against the Gaels, Central Washington opened the second half scoring but could not convert; it was still 14–13 in favor of the Gaels.
That’s when Siale Ofa showed he was a man on a mission: again getting the ball from Storti, and again stepping inside to cut across the face of four Central Washington defenders, then stepping through two more tacklers on the way for his second try of the day. It was a perfect example of the fitness of the Gaels side.
With 10 minutes to play, Brian McKeon ’25 entered while the Gaels only led by eight. McKeon swatted down a lineout and Saint Mary’s took possession as the clock was winding down. After the match, McKeon said, “We prepare all week and stayed locked in during the match. We have to always be ready to enter and help the team. It isn’t about playing as a reserve, we have to keep the standard of play that the starters set.”
"We prepare all week and stayed locked in during the match. We have to always be ready to enter and help the team."
—Brian McKeon '25
Young reserve Atelea Si’i ’27 echoed how the team sets the bar high. “Once I saw what Siale [Ofa] did, I knew I had to keep the standard that he played at. I wanted to keep it going,” he said. And he did—with multiple strong tackles and runs.
Meanwhile, starters Dominic Besag ’26 and Aisake Tukuafu ’28 added a try each, ultimately ending the match on a 19–0 run, for a final score of 33–13. It was the second straight week when the depth and fitness helped the Gaels conquer a ranked opponent with a strong closing run.
As many members of the team have put it:: “The Standard is The Standard.”
