JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Ave Maria Rugby team matched up against the North Florida Ospreys to contend for the FCC D2 State Title. The Gyrenes led UNF for the majority of the match, but ultimately lost the lead in the last minutes as the Ospreys went on to win 30-26. 
 
The Gyrenes played with great tenacity and fortitude. Though unable to clinch the state title, the men were able to hold their heads high knowing that they left it all on the field.  Danny Harrington, Gregory Higgins, and Samuel Little were notable for the great leadership and skill displayed on the pitch, during this hard-fought match. Gregory Higgins was named Man-of-the-Match, with honorable mentions to Wesley From, Patrick Ferns, and Patrick Zachmann for their outstanding performance.

With their win, North Florida gets promoted to the FCC D1 level where they will compete with the likes of Florida, Florida State, South Florida, St. Thomas, Central Florida and Florida Atlantic. Ave Maria will stay at the FCC D2 level for another year and return to their south division with Millennia Atlantic, Miami and Florida International.

The Gyrenes finish of the season with a record of 5-2, and huge improvement from their 1-4 mark in their inaugural 2024 season.