RALEIGH, N.C. - On a cool, clear evening at the NC State Club Sports Complex, the Lander University Bearcats faced off against one of the nation's premier programs — the reigning national champion NC State Wolfpack.

Despite the 51-0 result, the Bearcats displayed resilience, growth, and grit from start to finish.

Man of the Match: William Watts
Watts set the tone for Lander with his relentless work rate, physicality, and consistent effort on both sides of the ball. His commitment and energy stood out in a tough matchup against one of the top forward packs in the country.

Standout Performances
Freshman Chase Langston and captain Jacob Dawkins both delivered strong outings, particularly in their tactical kicking. Dawkins showed tremendous leadership, shifting across multiple positions to cover injuries and keep the Bearcats organized, while Langston's field vision and composure in the kicking game helped relieve pressure and create attacking opportunities.

Match Summary
Lander moved the ball well on attack and found space with improved handling and structure. However, struggles in the set piece proved costly. Inconsistent lineouts and a difficult night in the scrum allowed NC State to control possession and territory — no easy task against a pack led by a three-time All-American prop.