Indianapolis — The seventh-ranked Marian University rugby team held on to a late lead to top the University of Kentucky in the team's season opener in front of a packed Kuntz Stadium on Saturday night.

A long-range kick and chase led to Marian's first try and conversion, leading 7-0. The Knights added another try and conversion, taking a commanding 14-0 lead.

The Wildcats tacked on a drop goal for their first points of the match before a Kentucky player intercepted a pass and returned it for a try. The conversion cut Marian's lead to 14-10. Kentucky tacked on another drop goal at the end of the half, with Marian leading 14-13 at the break.

A pair of drop goals from the Knights extended their lead to seven. Casey Graybill's breakaway try and the ensuing conversion pushed the lead to 27-13.

Kentucky answered with a try and conversion to cut MU's lead back to a single score. The Wildcats possessed the ball with a chance to tie the game, but the Knights came up with the stops to secure the victory.

UP NEXT

- Marian head to New York in its next matchup, facing defending National Collegiate Rugby national champion and top-ranked St. Bonaventure on Saturday, Sept. 12