Life University Athletics

MARIETTA, Ga. ---- The Life University men's rugby team started its 2021 campaign at home over the weekend against Lindenwood, however the Lions came out on top for the first time in the two programs' history 45-27.

George Phelan got the action started early for Life U as Lindenwood was looking to score early in the match. An interception off a penalty saw Phelan take the ball the entire length of the field for the early try. Tabonga Ngonyamo had a successful conversion for a 7-0 lead. Lindenwood responded with a penalty kick in the 6th minute as Ngonyamo answered with a penalty of his own to bring the score to 10-3 12 minutes in.

Lindenwood scored 13 unanswered with a try and another penalty to lead 16-10. Orrin Bizer scored his first try with eight minutes remaining in the half as Ngonyamo added his second conversion to give Life U the 17-16 lead. Lindenwood added a try just before the half to lead 21-17 going into the break.

Ngonyamo continued his excellent start with another penalty two minutes into the second half to cut the lead to one, 21-20. Lindenwood scored 24 unanswered points as a last minute try from Bizer and the conversion from Bradley Crane left the Lions ahead 45-27 at the final whistle.

"We were grateful for the opportunity to compete today," head coach Colton Cariaga stated. "It was a test and we came up short. There are lessons to gain and we look forward to exploring and addressing those head on."

The men's rugby team will return to action on Saturday, February 27, as they host Mystic River RFC on Lupo Family Field at 1 PM.