Match Recap: Apple Cup

Beautiful weather greeted us in eastern Washington, with a high temperature over 80. Four coaches and 42 players including two injured escorts made the journey, none slept through their alarms.

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The first game of the season and 2024 Apple Cup was everything we hoped it would be - fiercely contested, physical, and an opportunity to knock off rust and test cohesion of a new team dynamic. We dominated possession, possibly 70% of the time, but the territory battle may have been a wash - important lessons for our kickers.

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Our attack shape was clearly visible, and everyone knew their roles. Early season jitters meant a few try opportunities were not realized, but we got on the board with an early penalty kick, followed by a converted try.

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WSU fought back and scored next, with strong defense, picking off a pass from 10 to 12 after a backdoor pass from the pod to 10. The second backdoor pass attempt was quicker, resulting in a 30 meter gain for us - lesson learned!

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Lot's of encouraging takeaways, and many areas for improvement. We outscored the Cougs 3-2.

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FINAL SCORE: UW 22 - WSU 14.

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Tries by our three Captains 1-1-1: Vaea Tangitau, Brian Cain Jr, and Jaedan Johnson.
Sebastian Sosa 1/1 on PKs, and 1/2 on conversions.
Man of the Match Awards to: Brian Cain (#8) and Sebastian Sosa (#15)

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Our 2nd XV showed incredible promise, 7 of 8 forwards playing their first game against an older, more experienced Idaho team. There was little hesitation inattack and set piece, and the game was back and forth.

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Our defense, however, was flat - half time this was the focus, and from the sideline, 25 Huskies yelled "SET-SET-UP!" for each ruck during much of the second half. This helped the new players get off the line with confidence - In one Idaho possession I counted 5 consecutive phases of tackles behind the gainline before forcing a turnover. Defense nearly won us the game with a strong comeback, before Idaho broke free for a final try to seal it. In a panic Idaho kicked the ball to touch ready for it to be over.

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Our second XV backs steered the team, with strong performances from Jsame Fola and Michael Bruin, scholarshipped recruits who should see 1st XV time next week, and our centers Noah Griffaton and Lucas Huntziker.

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FINAL SCORE: UW 18 - Idaho 26
Try Scorers: Lucas Huntziker, Jsame Fola
Matthew Curtis was 2/2 on PKs, and 1/2 on conversions.
Man of the Match Awards to: Caleb Jay (#3) and Noah Griffaton (#12)