FORT DODGE, Iowa - Indiana Tech Rugby earned a major early-season road victory Saturday, battling past Iowa Central 27-21 at Crimmins Field.

Both programs compete in the Big Rivers Rugby Conference, making Saturday's meeting a cross-conference matchup between teams from opposite sides of the league. While the result does not factor into divisional standings, the contest provided an early measuring stick against a strong conference opponent. 

The Warriors entered the afternoon with a specific plan for a talented and unique Iowa Central side, while also using the road test as an opportunity to experiment with their lineup and continue building depth early in the season.

Iowa Central struck first with a converted try in the third minute, but Dakota Faulkner answered with a penalty kick five minutes later to put Tech on the board.

The Tritons added another converted try in the 26th minute to take a 14-3 advantage before the Warriors flipped the match with a furious finish to the opening half.

Ashton Skarie crossed in the 32nd minute and Faulkner converted. Two minutes later, Noah Hughes found the try zone, with another Faulkner conversion giving Indiana Tech its first lead at 17-14.

Faulkner added a penalty kick in the 38th minute, completing a 17-point surge in just six minutes and sending the Warriors into halftime ahead 20-14.

Tech carried that momentum into the second half. Andrew Evans powered across in the 57th minute for the Warriors' third try, and Faulkner's conversion stretched the lead to 27-14.

Iowa Central was awarded a penalty try three minutes later to pull within six, but the Warriors stood firm over the final 20 minutes and closed out the 27-21 victory.

Faulkner was perfect on all three conversion attempts and added two penalty kicks for 12 points from the tee. Skarie, Hughes and Evans accounted for Tech's three tries.

The victory marked an important step for a young Indiana Tech program, earning a significant road result against an opponent from the opposite side of the conference while continuing to test new combinations and develop its identity.

Head coach Sam DiFilippo credited the leadership of Faulkner, Skarie and Max Brinker throughout the full 80 minutes as the Warriors navigated momentum swings and protected their late lead.

For Tech, the win is another step forward, but the focus remains on what comes next.

The Warriors return home looking to defend the Commission Cup against Trine next Saturday.