South Bend, Ind. — If you're looking for a place to test yourself, to find out exactly who you are as a team, you don't have to look much further than the Fighting Irish 7s.

It's fast. It's physical. It's unforgiving.

And on Saturday, Aquinas Men's Rugby stepped onto that stage ready to embrace every bit of it.

From the first whistle to the final match, the Saints didn't just compete — they showed flashes of a team that can be dangerous when it finds its rhythm. There were moments of dominance, moments of adversity, and plenty of fight along the way.

Aquinas 22 – Marian 26 | Pool Match

The Saints opened the day with a performance that showed exactly what they are capable of.

Dominic Zavala, Gavin Thompson, Trayvon Mathis, and Xavier Tito-Nekeare all crossed the try line, with Liam Inman adding a conversion as AQ controlled much of the match and led for long stretches.

But rugby can turn in an instant.

A few late lapses allowed Marian back into the contest, and with possession building in the closing moments, they found the match-winner right at the death in a tough opening loss for the Saints.

Aquinas 33 – Michigan 7 | Pool Match

The response was immediate — and emphatic.

Aquinas came out with far more composure and control, executing with purpose on both sides of the ball. Liam Inman, Trayvon Mathis (2), Dominic Zavala, and Xavier Tito-Nekeare powered the scoring, while Inman added four conversions in a sharp all-around performance.

Michigan brought a physical defensive approach, but the Saints stayed patient, strung together quality phases, and eventually broke things open to secure a convincing win.

Aquinas 50 – Notre Dame University B 0 | Pool Match

Then came the explosion.

The Saints found another gear offensively and never looked back, running in eight tries in a dominant performance. Gavin Thompson led the way with a hat-trick, while Liam Inman, Sam Whitmore, Trayvon Mathis, Dominic Zavala, and Elijah Uyenco all added to the scoring.

With increased tempo, sharp passing, and confident decision-making, AQ's attacking flair was on full display in a complete performance on both ends of the pitch.

AQ 26 – Thomas More University 5 | Plate Semifinal

The semifinal brought a physical challenge, but the Saints were ready.

Liam Inman opened the scoring in typical fashion, slicing through the defense with speed and deception. After Thomas More answered, Aquinas took control.

The second half belonged to the Saints.

With three unanswered tries from Inman, Gavin Thompson, and Marcel Denysschen — fueled by slick passing and sharp offloads — AQ pulled away to secure a spot in the Plate Final.

Aquinas 5 – University of Kentucky 36 | Plate Final

The final tested the Saints in a different way.

Injuries to Liam Inman and Dominic Zavala forced a reshuffled lineup, and against a strong Kentucky side, the margin for error was slim. Kentucky capitalized on sustained possession and converted opportunities into points.

Xavier Tito-Nekeare crossed for AQ, and while the Saints continued to compete with determination, a few tough calls and the physical toll of the day made it difficult to regain momentum.

Aquinas finished the Fighting Irish 7s in sixth place — a result that doesn't fully capture the fight and flashes this group showed throughout the tournament.

Kudos to Coach Dr. Scott Brown

While the Saints were battling in South Bend, Assistant Coach Dr. Scott Brown was putting together an impressive performance of his own. Competing in the Melting Mann race in Vandalia, Michigan, Brown completed the 24-mile event in 1:17:15.3, finishing fifth overall and first in his age group — a testament to the same commitment and drive he brings to the rugby program every day.

Saints Snapshots

     • Tested and Proven — The Fighting Irish 7s delivered exactly what it promises, and the Saints showed they can stand toe-to-toe with a deep and competitive field.

     • Response Defines You — After a heartbreaking opener, AQ answered with back-to-back dominant performances, showing resilience and belief.

     • Attack in Full Flight — Fifty points and eight tries against Notre Dame B highlighted just how dangerous the Saints can be when tempo and execution align.

     • Next Man Up — Injuries late in the day forced adjustments, but the Saints continued to battle and compete through adversity.

     • More in the Tank — This weekend showed flashes of something bigger — a team still building, still growing, and still capable of more.

Coach's Comments

"I'm really proud of the effort, attitude, and professionalism the boys showed throughout the tournament," Head Coach Lance Hohaia said. "It's always a very competitive field, and I thought we showed plenty of what we're capable of when we play with intent, composure and togetherness. Unfortunately, we went into the final a little undermanned, and a few tough calls during key moments didn't go our way, which made the challenge even greater. That said, I couldn't fault the group for their fight and commitment, and there was a lot in this tournament to be encouraged by."

Up Next

Aquinas returns to action on Saturday, April 11, for the conference tournament, which is traveling to Fort Wayne, Indiana, for the Big Rivers 7s.