Cardinals Fall to Belmont Abbey, Await ARC Championship Schedule
WHEELING, WV – The Wheeling University Men’s Rugby team concluded its regular season with a 45-3 loss to Belmont Abbey on Saturday. Despite an early penalty kick from Taku Musingwini, the cardinals struggled to maintain momentum against a strong Belmont Abbey side and now await their fate in the upcoming 2025 ARC Championships.
Musingwini opened the scoring in the early minutes, successfully converting a penalty kick to give Wheeling a 3-0 lead – their second consecutive game starting with a score. However, Belmont Abbey responded in the 15th minute with a try from Jean Teson, though the conversion attempt was missed, leaving the score at 5-3.
The first half remained a defensive battle, with both teams combining for just 15 points. Belmont Abbey extended their lead before halftime with a try and subsequent conversion by Harrison Tu’isila, taking a 12-3 advantage into the break.
Belmont Abbey dominated the second half, scoring five additional tries through Ka’Ron Young (two tries), Marcos Angjelinic, and Oli Fussell.They successfully converted all five tries,ultimately securing a 45-3 victory.
Musingwini’s three points marked the Cardinals’ only score of the day.He has now successfully converted four consecutive penalty kicks and boasts a season record of 12-14 (85.7%), leading the team with 62 points.
Wheeling will now prepare for the 2025 ARC Championships, scheduled for November 7th and 8th. The Cardinals’ postseason schedule will be announced at a later date.
