Marist ties New Paltz in last minute.

In a hard fought battle on a muddy pitch in New Paltz on Sunday, the Marist Red Foxes came from behind to tie the Division 1 New Paltz Hawks.

The Red Foxes started the half off with a elusive run up the sideline by their hooker John Franciosa to go up 5-0. The Hawks managed to answer back in the last three minutes of the half with a great push from their pack on the goal line.

About midway through the second half, New Paltz's inside center hit a hole on the outside and took it for a 40 meter try. He also completed his conversion to put the Hawks up 12-5.

Fortunately for the Foxes, New Paltz was given two cards on the day. Marist then bounced back when their lock, Mike O'Conner, powered through with a five meter run for a try. Marist also converted on their kick, to knot it up at 12-12.

Although the Hawks pack was dominant in the mauls all day long, the Red foxes managed to make two big goal line stands to keep themselves in the game.

The Hawks ended up on Marist's goal line once again, but could not break through with their pack. However, they gained awareness of the overload and spread the ball wide to one of their centers who scored the tie breaking try.

After completing their conversion, the New Paltz Hawks were up 19-12 with about five minutes left in the match.

Marist finally gained control of the ball by kicking themselves into good field position inside the 22. The foxes winger was able to get the ball within five meters, while the pack finally punched in the last try with no time on the clock. Marist came up with the equalizer when they completed the conversion to end the game at a 19-19 tie

The Marist rugby team will return to action on Saturday, April 12th, against Southern Connecticut at 3p.m.