MCRC opened the 2025 fall season against the formidable Holy Cross Crusaders. Although they came up short with a 36-12 loss, the Panthers played a strong game against the Crusaders, with tries scored by Mo Kourouma and Doug Altshuler, plus a conversion by Cai Jane.  “I think we were a little unlucky to draw Holy Cross (defending national runner up) right out of the gate,” says Coach Kerry Wiebe. “But it really demonstrated the level of rugby that we’ll have to play this season. I was happy with the team effort and level of  commitment,” continues Wiebe. “But we probably left some points off the board due to handling errors and execution.  We have identified some areas to imporove, and look forward to our match this Sunday at Thomas College.”

The Panthers completed 8 tries and 2 conversions to close out a 44-7 win over Thomas College this past Sunday.  “This will be a recovery week” says Coach Kerry Wiebe. “We have a short turnaround before our home opener against Nichols College [now on FRIDAY October 3 at 2pm] so we will be focusing on resting up and preparing for that match-up.”

The Panthers played a stellar game on Friday against Nichols College.  Although the Bison eked out a 32-5 win, Middlebury held this heavily favored team to just 4 tries and 3 conversions.  Middlebury played a dogged defense, denying Nichols multiple times at the goal line, and battled strongly on offense throughout the game, with a try scored by Aksel Young.  The Panthers take on Colby next Saturday at Home, 10/11 at 1pm!

The Panthers walked away with a big win in Game 4 against Colby’s White Mules on Saturday.  Middlebury’s Liam Perez scored the first try of the game early in the first period, and though Colby quickly answered back with a try of their own, the Panthers’ Douglas Altshuler made it across the goal line before half time, and Middlebury maintained the lead for the rest of the game.  Second half tries were completed by Orion Cherney, Thomas Maloney and Aksel Young, with three conversions by Cai Jane.

“After a tough loss to Nichols last weekend, we were happy to rebound with the win,” said Coach Kerry Wiebe. “We knew it was going to be a battle today, and Colby tested us.  I’m proud that our guys an 80 minute effort and were rewarded with the victory.”

Next Saturday (10/18) Middlebury takes on Providence College at 1pm at PC’s Hendricken Field!