FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Indiana Tech suffered its first loss of the season Saturday, falling 32-29 to No. 16 Aquinas College in a tightly contested Big Rivers Rugby Conference crossover matchup at Shields Field.

The Warriors struck almost immediately with one of the biggest plays of the afternoon. In the fifth minute, Alex McCarthy intercepted an Aquinas pass near his own goal line and raced nearly 100 meters for the opening try. Dakota Faulkner added the conversion to give Tech an early 7-0 advantage.

Aquinas responded and controlled the remainder of the opening half, scoring twice and adding a penalty kick to take a 17-7 lead into halftime.

Indiana Tech wasted little time answering after the break. In the 41st minute, the Warriors worked methodically from a lineout into a driving maul, with Andrew Evans finishing the effort for the try. Faulkner converted before adding a penalty kick in the 45th minute, pulling the Warriors back into the contest.

Aquinas answered with another score in the 53rd minute, but Tech struck back just three minutes later. Faulkner chipped the ball over the Aquinas defense, chased it down and collected a favorable bounce in stride before finishing the play himself for the try.

The Saints added another try and a penalty kick during the second half to build a 32-22 advantage entering the closing minutes.

Indiana Tech continued to battle. In the 77th minute, Douglas Henry powered through multiple defenders on a bruising run to the try line, and Faulkner's conversion brought the Warriors back within three at 32-29.

Tech pushed for one final opportunity, but Aquinas held on to secure the three-point victory after an obstruction call halted the Warriors attack.

Both teams finished with four tries and three conversions. Aquinas' second penalty kick ultimately provided the difference, with the Saints finishing with two penalty goals to Indiana Tech's one.

Indiana Tech returns to action on Saturday, October 10th, when the Warriors face No. 8 Marian University in Indianapolis, Indiana at 7pm.