The LSU rugby squad traveled to Gainesville, Fla., on Saturday in hopes of adding to its undefeated spring record, but the team had its aspirations dashed at the hands of a strong No. 4 Florida team, which narrowly bumped the No. 10 Tigers in a tight 17-14 contest. Junior fly-half Allen Alongi said injuries plagued LSU in the matchup, as the squad was without starting forward Jase Pickup, who injured his shoulder, and senior outside center Jeff Levasseur, who is out for the season with a knee injury. Sophomore defender Ryan Sullivan was also unable to participate, as he was sidelined with a head wound early in Saturday’s match. Florida jumped ahead, 12-0, early in the first half, but LSU crept to within five points of tying as the final seconds of the first half ticked away. The second half saw a strong offensive push from the Tigers, but a Gator conversion at the halfway mark furthered the separation, 17-7. The Tigers did manage to narrow the margin with a late converted try to make it 17-14. The squad made a final push for the win, but Florida’s defense proved too tough for the injury-ridden Tiger offense. “We eventually got the score close,” Alongi said. “We had enough time to score again in the end, but they kept driving it up the field and managed to run the time out.” Alongi said the game’s outcome doesn’t necessarily have a damaging impact on the rest of their season. Florida sits at No. 2 in the Southeastern Conference’s eastern division, while LSU is No. 1 in the West. “If we win the next game, then we’ll be placed high in the SEC tournament,” he said. “Since we’re already ranked No. 1 and they’re No. 2 in the other division, we’re going to be seeing them again.” Alongi said he expects the Tigers to arrive more prepared and healthier if a rematch against the Gators was to come up. The first step to securing another chance at beating Florida comes this Saturday, as the team takes on Ole Miss in Baton Rouge. The game is set to kick off at 1 p.m. at the Sport and Adventure Complex.
 
—- Contact Morgan Wampold at [email protected].