Game Summary

ELKHART, Ind. – Davenport defeated Indiana University 29-27 in the Midwest Eastern Conference Tournament opening round today to earn its first ever berth to nationals. DU improves to 7-1 on the year and will continue tournament play tomorrow against Bowling Green State University

In the first half of the game, Indiana controlled possession of the ball holding Davenport to only three points. Indiana would convert two tries and a conversion to lead at the half 12-3.

Indiana would start out the second half with another try to push their lead to 17-3. Trailing by fourteen, Davenport's offense would start to heat up with two straight tries from Ryan Hargraves (Grand Blanc, Mich.). Peter Soukrasmy (Holland, Mich.) would convert one of the two conversions which would put DU within two points of the Hoosiers at 17-15.

Indiana would add a penalty kick to extend their lead to 20-15. The Panthers would continue to claw their way back with a try and conversion from Soukrasmy to take the 22-20 lead. As the game would enter the final minutes of play, Indiana regained the 27-22 lead with a try and conversion.

The Panther offense would immediately answer back with the last seconds ticking away with a try from Sionekami Polume (Manus, Papua New Guinea) to tie the game at 27-27. With the ability to take the overall lead and victory, Soukrasmy would step up and nail the conversion to seal the 29-27 victory.

With the victory the Panthers have sealed a berth to Nationals in the spring. DU will continue Midwest Eastern Conference Tournament play tomorrow against Bowling Green State University. Game time is set for 1:30pm in Elkhart, Ind.