This Saturday, Loyola will battle University of West Florida for the finals spot of the Deep South Conference in Pensacola, Florida.

Loyola, ranked second in the Deep South West conference, beat University of Southern Mississippi, improving their record to 3-3 and earning their ticket to the semi-finals of the rugby playoffs.

This is the first time in six years that Loyola has competed in the Deep South Conference. There is no pressure, according to coach Sam Brock.

“There’s been the least amount of pressure on us since Loyola’s been in the playoffs six years ago. No one expected us to go this far. We’re relaxed and excited about it,” Brock said.

The University of West Florida Argos are ranked first in the Deep South East. However, Brock said he is not worried.

“They’re fast, but smaller,” Brock said. “There’s going to be a lot of kicking and aggressive defense. We’re going to take our chances and come up fast to hit them and set the tone early.”

Team captain Alex Weed supports Brock’s strategy.

“We found out they don’t like to be hit. We’re going to implement the Robness Monster (teammate Robert Nessler) into the back line. Because of his wrestling background, he gets away with a lot of vicious hits,” Weed said.

If the Wolfpack beats the Argos this Saturday, they will confront Tulane on Sunday, in Mobile, in the championship game.

“We usually get one week to rest after a game. We’re just going to go with it and roll the dice. Our main concern is for Saturday and making it to Sunday,” Brock said.

“Whether we win or lose the championship, I want everyone to know this isn’t a one-time fluke. This is a young team and we’ll be there every year from now on. Universities will be worried about playing Loyola next year. We’re a team that’s young, hungry and keeps getting better,” Brock said.

Michael Sanchez can be reached at [email protected]