The Sacramento State rugby team was unable to keep up with the defending national champion California, 60-5, Friday at the recreation fields.

The Hornets (6-2) lost for the second consecutive weekend after starting the season with six consecutive wins.

From the opening kick, Cal was able to keep the pressure on the Hornets and create big plays. The Hornets tried to answer the Cal attack, but they were unsuccessful in putting points on the board until the game was out of reach.

When the Hornets seemed to have an attack mounting, the Cal defense stepped up and made a play. When the final whistle blew, Cal had scored 60 points or more for the fifth consecutive match and for the sixth time this season and the Hornets were held to their lowest point total of the season, five. Hornet co-captain Anthony Burr said, “Turnovers weren’t too bad, they just capitalized on our mistakes.”

The Hornets hope to remain a top-15 team after their second consecutive loss to a higher ranked opponent. Hornet co-captain Lucas Edwards said, “They were better skilled and played more fluid. We are getting better and we still have a real good shot at nationals.”

California is currently ranked second in the nation behind Air Force. They have held every one of their opponents to 11 or fewer points with three shutouts. The Hornets were able to put five points on the board, but the experience and speed of California set the two teams apart.

Defending the home field will be key the next few weeks if the Hornets hope to make a push toward the national tournament. Sac State will have three consecutive home games including one against rival Davis.

This week, the Hornets play Southern Oregon University.

When asked if a turnaround by the Hornets should be expected in the following weeks, Burr said, “No doubt.”