The Midwestern State rugby club won its first cup match after a slow start due to numbers in an extraordinary comeback over UTSA at San Antonio.

MSU, who had 12 players compared to UTSA’s 15 on the field, had gaps in its defense. UTSA got on the scoreboard first after a 30-yard penalty kick, and then extended its lead with an unconverted try to put the score at 8-0.

The Mustangs fought back despite being outnumbered and came up with a try. Junior Winger Damian Atamenwan converted the extra two points after Freshman Simba Musarurwa had scored MSU’s first try.

The visitors were down four players after Senior Lock Tyler Schmidt got subbed out due to a blood injury. Nevertheless, MSU’s game plan was to keep it close and in control with its bigger forwards. UTSA scored two quick tries to lead 17-7 before MSU got on track with
a second try by Musarurwa making the score 17-14.

MSU put in a try right before half after a brilliant 60-yard run by Atamenwan to keep the score close at half UTSA 27 to MSU 19.

At the start of the second half, MSU was finally at their full capacity as the three MSU players showed up. Having a full backline, MSU was able to penetrate UTSA defense at will. MSU was able to score five tries compared to UTSA’s three in the second half. Scores were made by Flanker Luis Banda, Musarurwa, Lock Matt Potysman and Center Zach Henson.

Potysman scored a remarkable try by driving through the Roadrunners defense to the endzone. He later pulled Henson to the goal line to extend the Mustangs points.

The match was not decided until the last play of the match with time expired as UTSA tried to fend off a MSU attack at the goal line. UTSA efforts failed as a backline move freed Atamenwan just
enough to cross the goal line for a 46-43 cup match victory for MSU.

A lot of heart went into play by the 12 who had started the game against the 15 of UTSA.

The Mustangs will battle Lamar University at the Stephen F. Austin Tournament in Nacogdoches on Nov. 12.