The rest of the season for the ISU rugby club is uncertain. After losing to Purdue last weekend, the Cyclones have a must-win game this weekend.

This weekend, they play the of Northern Iowa where they have to win. For Division II playoffs each state is allowed two teams.

If Iowa State beats Northern Iowa, then it will force a three-way tie between Iowa State, Northern Iowa and Iowa.

“Since we have played Division I all season there should be no reason why we can’t make the Division II playoffs, said senior Brian Twedt. “We aren’t letting our hopes down yet.”

The Purdue rugby team received all it could handle from the ISU men’s rugby club last Saturday, but the Cyclones were unable to hold off the Boilermakers and fell 53-22.

Jon Crosbie, club coach and Daily columnist, had nothing but praise for the way the team handled themselves.

“We played 40 minutes of spectacular rugby,” Crosbie said. “Unfortunately, a few minutes of breakdown turned into literally 30 points.”

Iowa State started off playing very strong against the No. 1 team in the Midwest. With two quick scores, including a 20-meter drive-in from forward and team captain Mark Bokhoven, Iowa State was up 12-0.

However, the depth of Purdue ultimately proved too much to handle as they scored three times before halftime.

Iowa State was able to bring it back to within five points at the start of the second half but wasn’t able to catch the Boilermakers after that.

“The score didn’t reflect how the game was really played,” Crosbie said. “We played our hearts out and it was something to watch.”

Crosbie said that overall he was very happy with the way his team played, as tired as the team was at the end of the game they didn’t give up. Crosbie said that the forward line played exceptionally well.

“The forwards played with a lot of heart,” Crosbie said. “They played better Saturday than they had all season with Bokhoven leading the charge.”