MORRISTOWN, N.J., September 13, 2017 – The Monroe College men's rugby team competed for the first time in 2017 on Wednesday, taking on the Rangers of Drew University in Tri-State Rugby Conference. The Mustangs immediately showed signs of growth from last season, as they shut out the Rangers with a 25-0 opening day win on the road.
 
It was an unusually wet afternoon in Morristown, making for tough conditions on the field, but the Mustangs managed to fight through it to push themselves to victory. Monroe showed great physicality throughout with some impressive defense, forcing multiple turnovers during the course of the game. The shutout exemplified just how hard the team worked on defense during the preseason.
 
The Mustang offense settled in and found a rhythm in the second half. The forwards methodically pushed the ball upfield, which gave the backs a chance to open things up and create space in the Drew defense.
 
Naquan Lloyd tallied two tries as he led a group of seven rookies in their first games for the Mustangs. Captain Dazzmen Johnson, Nedeck Adams and Javonte McGlothen each added a try apiece.
 
The Mustangs will next play on Sunday, Sept. 17, when they visit Tri-State Conference Champion SUNY New Paltz in New Paltz, N.Y. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m.
 
ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE COLLEGE
The athletic program at Monroe College encompasses a total of 26 teams competing across nine sports. There are 18 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well as club men's rugby, and the newly added club women's rugby team, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Monroe Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus, will have six teams competing at the NJCAA Division III level beginning in the fall of 2017.
 
For more information about the Monroe Mustangs, please visit us at www.MonroeCollegeMustangs.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (Monroe College Athletics), Twitter (@Monroe_Mustangs) and Instagram (@monroemustangs), and follow the Monroe rugby teams on Twitter (@MonroeRugby) and Instagram (@monroemustangsrugby)
Tweet #GoStangs