MATCH REPORT – NATIONAL SEMIFINAL
STU 27 - 15 Sam Houston State University
May 2 | Indianapolis, Indiana

With national glory in sight, St. Thomas University took the field in Indianapolis against a fierce Sam Houston State University side in the D1AA National Semifinal. Ranked 2nd and 3rd in the nation respectively, both teams entered the clash fully aware that only 80 brutal minutes separated them from a shot at the title.

The opening half was tense and physical. SHSU's powerful pack dominated early contact, forcing a tight, slow game where space was rare. The STU backs worked hard to break the line, but at halftime, it was the Texas outfit who led 15-10—pressuring STU mentally and physically.

But STU has made a habit of growing stronger as the game wears on. The second half saw them turn up the heat, gradually breaking SHSU down with structured play, relentless tempo, and tight defense. SHSU were shut out in the final 40, while STU crossed the line three more times to seal the win.

Owen Phillips touched down twice with powerful, intelligent running. Jobe Knapton finished a well-worked phase in the corner, and Matt Arteta's speed iced the game late. Final score: 27-15.

It was a gritty, hard-earned win over a side that demanded the best of STU. And now, only one hurdle remained—the most daunting of all.

MATCH REPORT – NATIONAL FINAL
STU 36 - 32 University of San Diego
May 4 | Indianapolis, Indiana – D1AA National Championship Final

The moment had come. The lights, the pressure, the weight of history—all of it descended on Indianapolis as St. Thomas University stood on the edge of greatness, ready to face the two-time defending champions: the University of San Diego. It was the biggest game in STU's short but remarkable journey—a shot at national glory against a team that had ruled this stage.

The day before had been calm. No training, just recovery and analysis. Walkthroughs in a quiet park, minds ticking. Then Sunday came. Grey skies, soft rain, and tension in the air. The final kicked off at 3 p.m., and as both teams lined up for the national anthem, STU knew it would take everything.

They kicked off, and San Diego hit like a freight train. Fast ruck ball, bone-crunching collisions, suffocating pace. But STU held firm—and struck first. Fullback Mapani turned a half-chance into gold, chasing down his own kick to dive over and give STU a 7-0 lead.

San Diego replied with a penalty and two clinical tries to go up 17-7. The champions were showing why they owned this stage. STU answered through Welton Charumbira's well converted penalty and momentum was back on the Bobcat's side. But again, San Diego struck—24-10. The noise, the pace, the scoreboard—it could've broken anyone.

But STU refused.

Tshepang Matubatuba found Nokutenda Mukumba on a tight inside line, and the winger forced his way over. 24-17 at half.

Still alive.

The second half? Madness. Matt Arteta, fresh off the bench, flew down the sideline to make it 24-22. San Diego answered—29-22. But STU's response came through the heart of their pack, with prop Munashe Ndhlela crashing over after relentless pick-and-goes. Welton converted. STU 31-29.

With the clock ticking down, San Diego earned a penalty. 32-31. Three minutes left.

Then came the moment.

Owen Phillips soared to claim the restart. Romulo took it wide and kept the ruck clean. Two more phases. The clock turned red. The ball came to Mapani.

He chipped it through. A footrace. Water spraying, hearts pounding. He slid, he reached—and he won. Ball down. Try.

The whistle blew.
Final score: STU 38 - 32 San Diego.


Champions.

The field became a flood of tears, roars, and embraces. Players dropped to their knees—some crying, others shouting. Years of pain, sacrifice, and belief had built to this. The president and athletic director embraced the team. It was real.

St. Thomas University: 2025 D1AA National Champions. The dream lives forever.