Life University Athletics

ELLENSBURG, Wash. ---- The Life University women's rugby team held the lead all game in its 29-20 victory over Central Washington on the road in the teams' USA Rugby D1 Elite Tournament Semifinals matchup this afternoon, setting the Running Eagles up for a spot in the National Championship.

The Running Eagles controlled the ball almost the entirety of the first half, staying on the attack while limiting Central Washington opportunities. The team put the first two scores up in the 11th and 18th minutes, Kayla Pemasa dotting down the first try while Sophia Pyrz broke through for the second for the 10-0 lead. The Wildcats recorded their only first half try shortly after Pyrz's to cut into the lead, but Life U recorded another score in the final moments of the opening 40, Jess Keating earning the try and converting the kick to send the team to the break with a 17-5 lead.

The second half saw an early resurgence from the Wildcats, as they ripped off two early scores to pull within two at 17-15. With the season on the line, the Running Eagles continually answered the call, first with Susan Adegoke recording a try which Keating converted on the kick to extend the lead to 24-15 in the 57th minute. A little over 10 minutes later, Central Washington scored again to pull within a try as the game entered the final 10 minutes of play. The Wildcats pushed a possession to Life U's side of the field in the final minutes, but Life U's defense stood strong and got the ball back in their possession where Autumn LoCicero put the icing on the cake in the game's final moments for the 29-20 victory.

Head coach Rosalind Chou discussed the game, saying, "Hats off to an incredible CWU squad who pressured us for an entire 80 minutes. They are so well coached and have such talented student-athletes, we knew it was going to be a very difficult task to win on the road." Breaking down her team's performance, Chou said, "The captains, Jess Keating and Syd Cervinski really made great decisions throughout the game, leading their team. Emerson Allen, in her work rate and calling the LOs [line outs] gave us a great platform all game. Additionally the work that the forwards have put in with their coaches Karissa Lacy and Daemon Torres showed in the scrums all day. Our young, but dynamic backline have worked tirelessly, and we asked for a full 80 minutes out of Sophie Pyrz, Autumn LoCicero, Syd, and Alex Wantlin. Overall, we feel great about the performance and will get back to work for the national championship."

The Running Eagles will take part in the D1 Elite National Championship game on Saturday, May 1 against the winner between Lindenwood and Penn State.