Life University Athletics

Marietta, GA - Life University dominated posession and the game in a 87-7 win over Central Washington in the first round of the D1A National Tournament.  Life U will move on to the quarterfinals and play Army at home next Saturday the 21st at 12:30pm.  The game will be broadcasted live on FloRugby at http://bit.ly/2Gph6S6.  

 "The men really came out firing today" said Head Coach Colton Cariaga. "We're pleased with how quickly we jumped out in front and even corrected a few small details as the first half progressed.  We had a lot of the possession in that half but when we did defend, we executed some micro-skills in the tackle area that we've been working on over the past couple weeks. That led to pressure, which led to turnovers and then points." 

Mitchell Wilson put points on the board by scoring 3:30 into the game and after another try by Keagan Sparks and Conversion by Duncan Van Schalkwyk the Running Eagles led 12-0.  Defense really put the pressure on CWU and Life U went on to score six more tries before the half.  Ryan Rees, Harley Wheeler, Sean Coughlan, Austin White, and Mike Islava all found the try zone and put Life U up 52-0 going into the half.

Coming out of the half the Running Eagles did not let down.  Wheeler and Rees converted another try (conversions by Van Schalkwyk) and Matthew Mairowicz and Jason Riekena put Life up 71-0.  Central Washington got on the board after a try and conversion but after scores from Maciu Koroi and Matt Harmon, Life U sealed the win 87-7. 
 
"Have to thank the forwards for the platform they provided today" added Cariaga.  "They got a couple scores themselves off the back of some maul play and scrums. This was hugely important as we'll certainly want their best and then some in the next challenge.  Right now it's about getting the bodies right to put in a solid week of training."

Recovery will be important as they will face a strong Army squad in the quarterfinals.  Army advanced in the playoffs after beating Colorado State 52-15 in Colorado Friday night.


Box score:
 
Life 87
 
Tries: Wilson, Sparks, Rees (2), Wheeler (2), Penalty Try, Coughlan, White, Islava, Riekena, Koroi, Harmon
 
Convs: Van Schalkwyk (6), Mairowitz (4)
 
 
Central Washington 7
 
Tries: Lindstrom
 
Convs: Wright