KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- The No. 2 Adrian College men's rugby team opened up the NCR D2 National Tournament in Knoxville, Tennessee on Friday morning. The Bulldogs took on No. 13 UNC-Charlotte and came away with a 43-12 victory.

The Bulldogs started the scoring on a try from Macgregor Adams to lead 5-0. Shortly after, Lolohea Fonua made the match a 10-0 score with a try. Adrian went up 17-0 on a try from Guido Fittipaldi and a successful conversion from Adams. Ethan Schroeder added to the scoring with a try followed by another successful conversion from Adams to lead 24-0. UNC got on the board late in the first half making it a 24-7 game.

Later in the game, Sione Mamata, Petelo Vatuvei, and Sione Fotu added tries along with a conversion from Seti Latu for Adrian to extend the lead. UNC-Charlotte scored on more try, but it wasn't enough as the Bulldogs came away with they win at 43-12. 

Adrian will advance to the next round on Sunday, November 21 in Knoxville as they are tasked with No. 3 Illinois State who took down No. 4 UNC-Lowell by a score of 29-24.