Life University Athletics

Fullerton, Calif. – The Life University Women's rugby team took down two-time defending National Champion Penn State 17-15 at Titan Stadium in Fullerton, Calif. in the USA Rugby D1 Elite semifinals. The Running Eagles advance to the National Championship tomorrow night at 5:45 p.m. PST/8:45 p.m. EST against the winner of Lindenwood and BYU.

Penn State led early 10-0 after a try and a conversion and a successful kick after a penalty. Moments later, a try from Kaitlyn Broughton was followed with a successful conversion from Whitney Wilson to cut the lead to three. At the half, the Running Eagles trailed the Nittany Lions 10-7.

With 22:45 remaining in the game, a long drive allowed Sydnee Cervinski to finish with Life's second try of the day. Another successful conversion from Wilson gave the Running Eagles their first lead 14-10.

Penn State responded with a try of its own 11 minutes later, however the conversion was unsuccessful as the Nittany Lions held to a one-point advantage, 15-14, over the Running Eagles. 

Life controlled the ball and pushed inside the 22 with just minutes remaining in the game. After a tough scrum near the five, Wilson went for points from 15 meters out after a penalty. The successful kick gave Life the lead 17-15 with just over a minute on the clock.

Penn State attempted to break down the field, but an open field tackle pushed the Nittany Lions out of bounds to end the game and send the Running Eagles cheering onto the field. Life advances to the National Championship that will be played in Titan Stadium tomorrow afternoon at 5:45 p.m. PST/8:45 p.m. PST. The game will be broadcasted on TheRugbyChannel.Tv.