With the stars of the programs' past cheering them on, the Grand Canyon University Men's Rugby team used a strong second half to run away from the University of Colorado, 48-7, in the Lopes' regular season opener at the GCU Practice Soccer Field on the GCU campus Saturday. The win was part of a rugby doubleheader that saw the GCU Rugby Alumni take the pitch in an exhibition following the CU match.
 
The first 40 minutes didn't give an indication that a lopsided match would follow, since the Buffs took a 7-5 lead midway through the 1^st half. The Lopes' defense eventually dug in and once Brennen Boyle's penalty kick gave the Lopes an 8-7 edge, GCU began to pull away. Lopes' freshman Sione Kongaika, Jr. officially welcomed himself to the fold with his first career college try right before halftime, and would finish the day's scoring in similar fashion with the final try of the day. Fellow Lopes' newcomers Gavin Oleson and Ollie Tomlinson – along with Boyle and Bryce Holladay – scored in-between the two Kongaika tries. In addition to the try and penalty kick, Boyle was 5-for-7 in two-point conversions.
 
Now that the Buffaloes have headed home to Boulder, Colorado, Colorado State University will make the similar trek from Fort Collins to the Valley of the Sun for a match this Saturday, November 8 on the GCU campus. Kickoff for the Lopes and Rams is scheduled for noon at the GCU Practice Soccer Field, and admission is FREE.