BOYDS, Md. -- The Kutztown University men's rugby team advanced to the Premier Cup semifinals for the fifth time in its last six trips to the Collegiate Rugby Championship National 7s with three victories, Friday, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.

The Golden Bears, who earned an automatic qualification berth into the national tournament courtesy of their third straight title at the Monumental 7s back in mid-March, were tested in all three wins but showed the poise and mettle that propelled them to a national championship back in 2022.

KU emerged with a 19-12 opening round victory over Rio Grande (Ohio) and improved to 3-0 against the RedStorm this spring after defeating them twice at the Frostbite Rugby Tournament to kick off the spring 7s season.

Brown was out for revenge against the Golden Bears in the second round after falling by a 19-17 score in the Monumental 7s championship match that locked KU into the CRC National 7s. This one was just as tightly contested, but Kutztown prevailed 22-17.

Next up in the quarterfinals was a showdown with the Hoosiers of Indiana. IU halted Kutztown's national championship repeat bid in the semifinals in 2023. This time, however, the Maroon and Gold got the upper hand with a 19-14 decision for their second win over the Hoosiers this spring.

Kutztown will now face two-time defending national champion Wheeling in the semifinals at 4:20 p.m., Saturday. The Golden Bears and Cardinals squared off for the 2024 title, Wheeling taking it 29-12. The match will stream live (pay per view) on NCRTV.

On the other side of the bracket, Dartmouth faces Notre Dame in the other semifinal at 4 p.m. The two semifinal winners will play for the national championship at 6:22 p.m., while the third place match is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Also, Saturday, Kutztown head coach Dr. Gregg A. Jones (Doc), will be inducted as part of the third annual CRC Hall of Fame class. The induction ceremony is scheduled for 2:10 p.m., prior to the start of the women's Premier Cup quarterfinal matches.