EMMITSBURG, Md. (September 18, 2026) – Mount St. Mary's opened conference play with a thrilling 43-37 comeback victory over Southern Virginia.

Southern Virginia struck first, but the Mount responded 15 minutes into the match with a strong try. Junior fullback Benjamin Quiroga converted the ensuing kick to give the Mountaineers a 7-5 lead.
Southern Virginia regained the advantage with a try just three minutes later and added another before the Mount began to chip away at the deficit. Quiroga connected on a penalty kick at the 27-minute mark before adding another three points later in the half. Following another Southern Virginia score, Quiroga was called upon once again and delivered his third penalty kick, cutting the Southern Virginia lead to 22-16.

Southern Virginia opened the second half with the first points, extending its advantage to 25-16 following a successful kick. Both sides continued to battle for control before Southern Virginia added another try 14 minutes into the half. Southern Virginia scored once more to extend its lead, but from there, momentum shifted in the Mount's favor.

Facing a 14-point deficit with 15 minutes remaining, the Mountaineers mounted their comeback. Junior captain Saige Calvo managed the match effectively down the stretch, helping the Mount fight its way back into contention. Junior Chase Brown provided a strong presence on both sides of the ball, carrying hard in attack while consistently making tackles defensively.

The Mount stormed back with three unanswered tries to erase the deficit and level the match. Quiroga accounted for two tries as part of a standout 28-point performance that also included three conversion kicks and four penalty kicks. With an opportunity to take the lead, Quiroga attempted a long-range kick from near midfield but was unable to convert, leaving the score tied at 37-37 with just 28 seconds remaining in regulation.

The two sides exchanged kicks for field position as the match moved into extra time. Freshman Rory Adair continued a strong defensive performance by securing a crucial penalty in the closing stages, giving Quiroga another opportunity from long range. This time, Quiroga converted the penalty kick to put the Mount ahead for good.

The Mount regained possession on a lineout, setting up one final opportunity for Quiroga. He sent another kick through the uprights to seal the 43-37 victory and complete the Mountaineers' comeback.

Quiroga finished as the Mount's leading scorer with 28 points, while Adair, Brown and Calvo each played key roles in helping the Mount erase a 14-point deficit over the final 15 minutes and secure a victory to open conference play.

Up next, the Mount will welcome Mary Washington to Echo Field on Saturday, September 26 at 1PM.