Life University Athletics

MARIETTA, Ga. ---- The Life University men's rugby team recorded its third-straight win in dominant fashion today, relying on the team's superior physicality to pull away for the 40-6 victory in Lupo Family Field.
 
Despite the Running Eagles controlling the pace through the majority of the game, Davenport recorded the first two scores of the game. Both scores came off of penalty kicks, giving the Panthers a 6-0 lead through the first 20 minutes of the half. At the 23:40 mark sophomore Tabonga Ngonyamo got Life U on the board off a long try following the line-out, splitting Davenport defenders while cutting straight up the field. The conversion was good, giving Life U a lead that they would not relinquish, 7-6. Not even seven minutes later the Running Eagles found themselves back threatening to score. From near the try line, Ishma-eel Safodien performed a quick tap which ended up with him dotting down the try as the first half lead expanded to 14-6. The team had another chance close to the goal in the final moments of the half, but the Panthers held on to send the teams to the break, Life U leading 14-6.
 
Life U held the advantage through the first half, but the second half saw the Running Eagles further express their dominance, seemingly keeping the ball in Davenport territory the entire period. Chase Schor-Haskin earned the first score of the second for Life U, collecting the ball off a scrum near the five-meter line where he bulldozed his way in for the try and a 21-6 Life U lead. Five minutes later, Tyler Goosen made a great move to get by defenders, racing down the sideline before passing a well-placed ball to Karch Hoffman near the line for the easy try. With just over 15 minutes remaining in play, Schor-Haskins recorded his second try of the contest in a very similar manner to his first score as the lead swelled to 33-6. The last score came from strong junior Damoreon Travis in the game's final moments, bullying his way in for a try between the posts to give the final score of 40-6.
 
Head coach Colton Cariaga had this to say about the day's game, " "Firstly, thanks to Davenport for making the trip down to make up a match that was canceled earlier in the year. Games are just so crucial. As for us, we came out in that first half and, for the most part, played how we wanted to play with the effort and intensity we needed. The forwards worked hard and together and raised their standard. Likewise, our inside backs commanded well and our outside backs put in some solid work. We just needed to buckle down on our discipline in defense and limit errors in attack." Cariaga finished saying, "Today was the type of performance we were after. We need to continue the effort and focus while also executing more crisply. But overall, it was another step in a positive direction."
 
The men's rugby team plays on the road next weekend, traveling to Arkansas State for a 1 PM showdown Saturday, April 10.