A late penalty goal by Andrew Mallick secured a comeback win for Navy 15-14 over Mary Washington Friday in Annapolis.

The defending D1AA champion UMW Mothers looked impressive in opening up a 14-0 lead. Harry Masters has been excellent at scrumhalf helping marshal the Mary Washington offense, and the team's ability was on display.

But Navy came back. Exerting power in the scrums, the Midshipmen set up Mallick for a try that he converted, making it 14-7. 

Then Eric Bleakly went over to put Navy within a score at 14-12 with still plenty of time left in the game. Mallick did the rest.

The Birdman is ice cold! Navy takes the lead on Penalty Kick by Andrew Malick 15-14 Navy takes the lead! 12 min left! #NavyRugby pic.twitter.com/n1Bzsw9T98

— Navy Rugby (@USNAMensRugby) September 21, 2018

It was a good indication of the quality of the Mary Washington side, but the game was also a lesson in how to hold onto a lead. 

Navy's second half was solid, but the game was a bit of a scare, too, as the D1A squad was shut out in the first half.