DI-A Semi-finals Set As Favorites Advance

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There were no surprises in the DI-A quarterfinals as the favorites going into the weekend easily advance. Arkansas State, which many have pegged as the favorite to win the tournament, had the most difficult time over the weekend but still managed to beat Kutztown 31-10. The wins set up two interesting semi-finals as Arkansas State will host rivals Life, while out West, St. Mary's will take on Cal Poly.

Arkansas State 31-10 Kutztown

In less than ideal conditions the Red Wolves gutted out a win over a tough Kutztown side. Zinzan Elan-Puttick got Arkansas State on the board first thanks to a great run and pass from Zac Mizell. Kutztown scored before halftime to get within two points but after the half Pat Sullivan extended the Red Wolves lead before Elan-Puttick scored for the second time. Arkansas State then added scores from Gavin Brown and Shaun Potgetier to put the game away.

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Life 55-29 Army

Of the favorite teams heading into the weekend Life seemed the most at risk with an away match against a physical Army team, but it was the Running Eagles that came out aggressive, earning a win and a huge semi-final against Arkansas State. In a battle of two great kickers Army's Will Holder and Life's Joe Cowley traded penalties. The games first try came from Cam Dolan, who was playing in his first match since getting injured at the Americas Rugby Championship and who is participating in this week's Eagles assembly. With the match only at 22-10 for Life at halftime, Life scored two quick tries in the second half to seal the win.

St. Mary's 62-25 Colorado

Favorites to advance out of the West, St. Mary's had no trouble with a visiting Colorado side that won big over Wisconsin the weekend before. The Gaels got on the board early with a pair of tries before Colorado answered with a penalty and try of their own. But St. Mary's kept on pushing. Two more tries brought the score to 24-8 before Colorado put in to unconverted tries. At halftime St. Mary's led 29-15. In the second half the Gaels turned it on scoring several tries on route to a 62-25 win.

Cal Poly 40-19 Colorado State

Cal Poly travelled to Ft. Collins, Colorado over the weekend to take on the previously undefeated Colorado State Rams. Despite being the road team Cal Poly had no difficulty in earning the win. They will next play St. Mary's, whom they lost to 41-31 earlier in the season.