Gombar Kicks 'Noles to Gordo's Cup Victory

This past Friday night, the ‘Noles have defeated the University of Florida Gators, 24 – 17, in a hotly contested match. The winner of the match will retain the Gordo’s Cup until the next time the two teams square off.

The ‘Noles began the match with a flurry scoring 15 unanswered points. Senior fullback, Gianluca Gombar, got on the score sheet first slotting a penalty from 35 meters out. The Italian native also scored the first try of the match after splitting the Gator midfield and dotting down under the posts. In the closing minutes of the first half the Gators answered with back to back tries. The ‘Noles were the last to score in the first half with another Gombar penalty.

The Gators made some half time changes and prevented the ‘Noles from scoring another try in the second half. The stifling Gator defense limited the ‘Noles to only six points in the second stanza. A second half Gator try closed the gap to only four points but Gombar’s second penalty of the half in the final ten minutes was enough to see the ‘Noles to victory.

“It is great to finally have the Gordo’s cup in hand,” noted Captain Binh The Bui. “For some of us seniors, this is the last time we will face the Gators and it feels great to go out on top.” These sentiments were echoed by Assistant Coach Dylan Hamilton. “Credit to UF, they are a tough bunch but it’s great to get the win. We will enjoy this now going into spring break but we have some work to do before our rematch with the Knights.”

The Gators season already has an end date as the Volunteers and Gamecocks have already secured their place in the SEC East playoffs. The ‘Noles now will turn their attention to UCF as they will host the Knights on March 23rd in Tallahassee.

FSU First XV vs. University of Florida 
Final Score: 24 – 17 
Tries: Gianluca Gombar, John Lumbra
Conversions: Gianluca Gombar (1 of 2)
Penalties: Gianluca Gombar (4 of 4)

1. Robert Estridge; 2 Dan Sammons; 3. Brandon Quintana; 4. Geno Hill; 5. Alex Beckers; 6. Colby Carinhas; 7. Greg Kraus (c); 8. Travis Crevecoeur; 9. Dan Burczak; 10, John Lumbra; 11. Austin Follos ;12. Binh The Bui; 13. Matt Proffett; 14. Javier Ayo; 15. Gianluca Gombar; 16. Anthony Bouza; 17. Ebo Entsuah; 18. Trevor Baggs; 19. Pat Steffens; 20. Michael Gomez; 21. Chase Costa; 22. Merrick Salisbury; 23. Matt Brewer

FSU Emerging XV vs. University Florida “B”
Final Score: 35 – 10
Tries: Pat Steffens, Luciano Todeschini, Brandon Hillan, Ebo Entsuah, Trevor Baggs
Conversions: Luciano Todeschini (1 of 3), Merrick Salisbury (1 of 2)
Penalties: Luciano Todeschini (1 of 1), Merrick Salisbury (1 of 1), Anthony Bouza (0 of 1)

FSU Development XV vs. Tallahassee Under 23
Final Score: 20 - 37 
Tries: Colin Land, Zach Sciscente (2)
Conversions: Santiago Torregrosa (1 of 3) 
Penalties: Santiago Torregrosa (1 of 1)