Coming off a successful campaign last season, the men’s rugby team looked to set the tone for the 2013 season Sunday against Salem State. The Jeffs came out with a lot of energy and dominated the Vikings 36-12 behind a talented returning group of players and rookies that proved that they were ready to step into spotlight.

Micah Rotich ’14 scored the first try of the game for Amherst on an up and over kick to himself, and the Jeffs didn’t look back. Amherst was able to dominate in time of possession and eventually wore Salem State down.

“Their team was physical, but we were able to match their physicality and wear them out and beat them in scrums and rucks,” junior captain Kevin Hull ’15 said.

Amherst was able to use a balanced attack that kept the Vikings on their heels. Jordan Pinksky ’15, Mark Hawkins ’16, Sam Seham ’16 and rookie Cody Pulliand ’17 all scored for the Jeffs.

The Jeffs must continue to show the physicality they exhibited in their first match if they want to repeat as division champions and make a deep playoff run. Although there were a lot of positives from the game, “We had too many penalties, something we should improve on going forward,” said Hull.

The Jeffs will look to eliminate penalties and continue to dominate the pace and physicality of the game when they square off against Framingham State Saturday at 1 p.m. on Memorial Field.