Life University Athletics

JONESBORO, Ark. ---- The Life University men's rugby team earned its fourth straight victory Saturday afternoon, as the Running Eagles battled until the final whistle for the 35-25 road victory over Arkansas State.

Four minutes into the contest, Ishma-eel Safodien broke through for a try as Bradley Crane scored the successful conversion to put Life U ahead 7-0. Three minutes later, Arkansas State converted a penalty. Chulu Mngxaso scored the second Life U try in the 10th minute as Crane picked up his second conversion to give the Running Eagles a 14-3 advantage. 

Arkansas State answered back with a penalty and a try to cut the lead to one, 14-13, as the Running Eagles took a slight lead into the half. Four minutes into the second half, Tyler Goosen picked up the try with Crane slotting his third conversion of the match. Arkansas State added a try and another conversion as well four minutes later to keep the match tight, 21-20. 

Chase Schor-Haskin continued his scoring streak in the 52nd minute as Crane remained perfect on the day with another conversion. Minutes later, Life U held on to a three-point advantage, 28-25, as Arkansas State scored another try. Crane topped the performance off with a score of his own in the 74th minute. He finished a perfect 5-for-5 on conversions as the Running Eagles earned the 35-25 road victory.

"It was a good, tough game with strong winds and a wet pitch," head coach Colton Cariaga stated. "It was a back and forth battle, with big momentum swings and we just kept trading punches. But ultimately, I think this one actually came down to the fact that we jumped out to a two score lead against the wind in the first 10 minutes of the match. That was huge for us and an improvement from previous weeks." He continued, "This one was and is about honoring Curt Huckaby Sr. and I believe both sides did that with the effort and exciting play. Huck was critical to the growth and development of both programs and we're just so thankful for this match."

The men's rugby team will take a brief break from action as they will return to Lupo Family Field on Saturday, April 24, as they welcome Arkansas State to Marietta, Ga. for a 12 PM kickoff.