Dartmouth beat out Penn State, 12-7, to earn a spot in the CRC semifinal round. Penn State was very physical and fought hard to keep their place in the competition, but Dartmouth made the most of the opportunities they were given.

Dartmouth's Nick Downer is tackled during their win over Notre Dame yesterday. (Photo by Marvin Dangerfield)

Dartmouth kicked off and right from the beginning made a statement by contesting the ruck and winning possession. Tanner Scott then eluded a defender to score form 10 meters out, with Nick Downer adding the extras, 7-0 to Dartmouth.

Penn State quickly equalized the score by pinning Dartmouth deep in their own half before Mike Erickson intercepted a pass and sprinted 30 meters to score under the posts. Joe Baker made the conversion and the score was tied at 7.

Penn State stuck it to Dartmouth in the next scrum, driving them back before a Dartmouth player dove on the ball. Penn State held strong, maintaining good positioning and filling the gaps on defense. They intercepted another pass and kicked downfield where Dartmouth knocked it on at their 22-meter line to end the half.

Penn State kicked off the second half and tackled well to turn over the ball. They exhibited good physicality but knocked the ball forward. Dartmouth executed a good move from the scrum and Chris Downer took the pass inside Scott to score. Nick Downer’s conversion attempt was no good, but Dartmouth had the lead back at 12-7.

After a period of back-and-forth play, some powerful Dartmouth running got them close to Penn State’s line but they were called for entering from the side. Time ran out and Penn State tried to keep the ball alive after the hooter but a loose pass was picked up by Dartmouth and kicked to touch to end the match.

Penn State played well in the competition but Dartmouth has won all four of their matches so far and look strong heading into the semifinals where they will play Central Washington.