AVE MARIA, Fla. — The Ave Maria Rugby team had their first home game of the season, beating the Florida International Panthers 67-14. It is their first home win as a varsity sport.

The Harrington brothers each show a great deal of tenacity on the pitch, both scoring several tries. Greg Higgins at 8-man, scored two tries in the first half giving AMU a healthy lead over FIU to end the first half. Peter Zachmann, the scrappy scrum half, was able to cut through the FIU defensive line, scoring multiple tries in the second half and earning the Man of the Match.

On the defensive side, FIU scored two tries throughout the match and made both conversions, but it just wasn't enough against the high scoring Gyrenes.

With the win, Ave Maria improves to 2-0. The Gyrenes are tied with Millenia Atlantic for first place in the FCC Men D2 South Division. Both teams have 10 total points, getting four points for each win and adding on a bonus point in each match. Ave Maria is back home for their next match Saturday, February 8, against the Miami Hurricanes. The Gyrenes defeated the Hurricanes 51-5 in Coral Gables in the season opener. Kick off is set for noon at the AMU Rugby Field.