Introduction
The B-side Michigan Wolverines closed out their season at the Big Ten 7s Rugby Tournament with a performance that reflected the team’s steady growth and determination. Throughout the day, players showcased noticeable improvement, with several stepping up to make key contributions on both sides of the ball. The tournament also underscored the promising future of the program, as a number of young players gained critical experience and showed they’re ready to lead in seasons to come. As the team looks ahead, it also bids farewell to Coach McNabnay, whose leadership and commitment to player development have left a lasting impact. His presence on the pitch will be missed, but his influence will carry forward in the next generation of Wolverines.
Purdue 19 Michigan 15
The Wolverines opened the tournament with a tough loss in their first match, where poor defensive organization, sloppy mistakes, and inconsistent set piece execution proved costly. Despite controlling possession at times, the team struggled to maintain structure under pressure, allowing the opposition to capitalize on turnovers, missed tackles, and breakdown errors. As the match progressed, it became difficult to generate momentum. Still, there were bright spots: freshman flyhalf Max Ahlborn impressed with calm decision-making and sharp distribution while utilizing his speed to put away two tries of his own, while prop Kiyan Jacobs brought physicality and work rate in both attack and defense. Crucially, in the second half he forced a knock-on which he then kicked through for a Connor Gilfillan try, keeping the Wolverines in the game. The match also saw swift runs and smart ball distribution from graduate student Louis Granger. Their performances hinted at the potential within the squad, even as the team regrouped to sharpen up for the remaining matches.
Michigan State 10 Michigan 29
In their second match, the Wolverines bounced back with a commanding 29-10 win over Michigan State, showing major improvement from their opening performance. Defensive structure tightened up, set pieces were more reliable, and the team played with renewed confidence and cohesion. Freshman scrumhalf Raymond Li was a standout, scoring his first three tries of the season with explosive pace and smart support lines. The match also featured several powerful runs from freshman prop Massimo Lorenzetti, who consistently broke the gain line and set the platform for attacking phases.
Indiana 17 Michigan 7
The Wolverines closed out the day with a hard-fought 17-7 loss to a powerful and aggressive Indiana side. The team held their ground defensively and responded with physicality of their own, but struggled to consistently break through Indiana’s well-organized line. Michigan’s lone score came when Kiyan Jacobs made a clean break through the defense and was hit off the ball, resulting in a penalty try, rewarding both his strong running and awareness. Despite the loss, the match showed the Wolverines’ grit and toughness against one of the top sides in the tournament.
Illinois 20 Michigan 19
On Day 2, the Wolverines faced off against Illinois in a closely contested battle that highlighted both the team’s resilience and individual standout performances. Freshman prop Massimo Lorenzetti once again made a major impact, bulldozing through defenders on multiple crucial runs, one of which set up Kiyan Jacobs for a hard-earned try. On the defensive end, senior hooker Mason Loc anchored the middle with smart positioning and aggressive tackles, while freshman wing Austin Bouvel shut down several wide attacks with clutch stops. This match also saw tries from freshman wing Luke Borozan and scrum-half Raymond Li, who knocked down both conversions to bring the Wolverines within one point, but despite their surge, Michigan ultimately fell just short in another tough loss.
Michigan State 22 Michigan 24
In their final match of the tournament, the Wolverines faced Michigan State once more; this time against a squad out for revenge. MSU came out with intensity and discipline, delivering one of their strongest performances of the weekend. Michigan, dealing with the loss of four of their seven starters due to injury, had to significantly reshuffle the lineup, moving freshmen Luca DeSanto and Peter Carmody to the starting lineup. Despite the adversity, the Wolverines battled hard. Tries came from Peter Carmody and graduate student Keith Hudson, who broke free of 3 tackles for a long run in what would be the final try of his collegiate rugby career. As the clock expired, junior scrumhalf Josh Nicholson muscled his way into the try zone to tie the match. The game came down to a high-pressure conversion from a tight angle on the far left sideline. Freshman Raymond Li stepped up and slotted the kick, sealing a dramatic and gutsy win to close out the season.
What’s Next
As the tournament came to a close, the Wolverines finished their season with pride, resilience, and a glimpse into the promising future of the program. While the results may not have matched the ambitions set at the start of the year, the growth of the team, especially among its many young players, was undeniable. The B-side squad showed heart, adaptability, and a willingness to rise to the moment, setting a strong foundation for seasons to come. A heartfelt thank you goes to Coach Conor McNabnay for his dedication, leadership, and tireless support of the team. His impact on this group has been profound, and while he won’t be returning next season, his legacy will live on through the players he’s helped develop. The road ahead looks bright, and the Wolverines are just getting started.
