Penn State is out of the College Premier Division playoffs after losing 50-26 to Army in front of a packed house at the Anderson Rugby Complex at West Point Saturday.

The two teams were fairly close on the scoresheet into the second half, with Army leading 22-19 after Dominic DeFalco scored for the Lions at 50 minutes. But then the West Point backs, specifically Ben Leatigaga, exploded for a series of tries that put the game out of reach. The big wing scored twice within three minutes and added another as Army put the game away.

Penn State, led by solid performances from Chris Saint and Chris Karas at hooker hung tough, but Penn State’s young backline was outmatched physically by a more experienced Cadet threequarter line.

Flyhalf Will Holder directed the offense well and was part of a backline that defended effectively, and Leatigaga was deadly in attack. Up front Army has no real stars, but plays exceptionally well as a unit, and put the game away as a result.

With the victory, Army moves to 6-0 and is guaranteed a place in the CPD playoffs. Penn State drops to 4-2 and is now out of contention for a spot in the quarterfinals. The winner of next week’s Army v. Navy clash will decide who wins the CPD Rugby East.

Leatigaga scored five tries to raise his season total to 12, second only behind BYU’s Ryan Roundy in the entire CPD. No. 8 Marshall Moten scored a try and Holder added the rest with some outstanding goalkicking and a try of his own.

Army 50
Tries: Leatigaga 5, Holder, Moten
Convs: Holder 6
Pens: Holder

Penn State 26
Tries: DeFalco 2, Datz, Saint
Convs: Baker 3