Ann Arbor, Mich. The scoreboard showed an impressive beginning for Aquinas, while the film will reveal there is still work to be done. The Saints opened their 2026 fall season Friday night with plenty to celebrate and several lessons to carry forward following a 40–7 victory over the University of Michigan.
Aquinas 40, University of Michigan 7
Michigan started with plenty of energy and immediately put the Saints under pressure with an early attacking charge. Aquinas absorbed the Wolverines' opening push before finding its rhythm and turning defense into attack.
Junior Liam Inman opened the scoring following a slick sequence of phase play by the Saints. Sophomore Darryl Lunon crossed the try line next after a series of powerful carries created momentum through the middle of the field.
Senior Gavin Thompson then sliced through the Michigan defense for the first of his two tries. His speed and athleticism proved difficult for the Wolverines to contain, and Thompson struck again following another impressive team sequence featuring multiple passes and quality phase play.
By halftime, Aquinas had built a commanding 28–0 advantage and appeared firmly in control.
Michigan responded after the break by dominating possession and applying sustained pressure to the Saints' defense. The Wolverines controlled nearly 80 percent of the possession during the opening 12 minutes of the second half, eventually breaking through for a try in the 55th minute.
The complexion of the match changed again near the 60-minute mark when Jacob Easterling was shown a red card on a decision disputed by the Aquinas side. The call left the Saints to complete the final 20 minutes with 14 players.
Michigan continued to push, but the Aquinas defense refused to give way. Rather than settling in to protect its lead, AQ remained aggressive and continued to threaten with the ball.
Inman eventually broke through for his second try of the night, delivering a brilliant individual effort to extend the Saints' advantage despite the numerical disadvantage.
Aquinas still was not finished. With the Saints' reserves making a strong impact and AQ continuing to play one man down, sophomore Noah Davis delivered the final blow with an elusive and skillful attacking effort to complete the 40–7 victory.
Inman also enjoyed an excellent night from the tee, converting five of the Saints' six tries.
Saints Snapshots
- An Opening Statement: Aquinas scored six tries and built a 28–0 halftime advantage on the way to a convincing road victory in its first match of the fall season.
- Twice as Nice: Inman and Thompson each crossed the try line twice to account for four of AQ's six tries.
- Strength in Adversity: The Saints played the final 20 minutes with 14 players but continued attacking, scoring two additional tries while preventing Michigan from cutting further into the lead.
- Young Saints Step Forward: Lunon and Davis contributed tries, while Aquinas' young debutants and reserves made an immediate impact in the season-opening victory.
Coach's Comments
Head coach Lance Hohaia was pleased with the victory but saw several areas in which the Saints can continue to improve.
"Happy with the win, but we still have a few areas we need to improve, including our set piece," Hohaia said. "While we scored some really good tries, we also left points on the field through poor decision-making and skill execution. We need to continue improving in those areas, but it was great to see our young debutants all perform well. They've certainly given me plenty to think about when it comes to team selection next week."
Up Next
The AQ men's rugby team returns to action on Homecoming Saturday, Sept. 19. Although the Saints will be on the road, they will not have to travel far as they head across town to challenge Davenport. The opening kick against the Panthers is scheduled for noon and will be streamed live on the AQSaints Athletic Network.
Be sure to visit AQSaints.com for streaming links and complete coverage of Aquinas men's rugby and all other Saints sports.
It's a great day to be a Saint.
