Life University Athletics

MARIETTA, Ga. --- Lupo Family Field hosted D1A Mid-South Division Men's Rugby today, the Life University men's rugby team besting Davenport, 40-7, behind a physical performance as Orrin Bizer recorded a hat trick on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

It took a little while for the first score to be registered as the team's fought over field position, Francisco Sied making a physical move, cutting up field from five meters out to record the game's first try. The second score of the first 40 came with under 10 minutes to go until halftime, Life U blowing Davenport off the ball on a scrum near the try area which Bizer jumped on to record the score. With the pair fo tries and conversions by Bradley Crane the team's entered the break, the Running Eagles leading 14-0.

Life U came out of the gates quickly in the second half, Philani Simamane racing down the field from midfield to score an uncontested try just four minutes into the second half. Three minutes later after a Davenport turnover, an Ishma-eel Safodien quick touch saw the Running Eagles with momentum going towards the try area, Bizer catching the last pass to dot down his second score and see Life U hold a 28-0 edge. Continuing Life U's dominance in the scrum, the Running Eagles again got the best of Davenport near the try zone, Bizer finishing off his hat trick as the lead expanded to 33-0 with more than 15 minutes to play. After being subbed in, reserve Phillip Woodhouse made a quick impact, scoring a try from near the try area for Life U's final score. Davenport kept themselves from being shut out, scoring in the final minutes to give the final of 40-7.

Team leadership was excited with the full game performance by the Running Eagles, Ishma-eel Safodien saying, "In weeks past, we struggled to capitaliz off line breaks. This was a big work on for us this week and we grew quite a bit in this area. Although we missed opportunities to put more points on the board. We'll take the 'W' and go into our next clash against West Point with confidence. That being said, the boys are super excited, as the business end of the competition is slowly approaching!" Team Captain Jared Miller echoed Safodien's sentiment, stating, "Great performance from the boys. The forwards really brought the intensity and got on the scoreboard.   Also really intelligent plays by our backs; Things are really starting to fall in place!"

The men's rugby team gets back to action quickly, facing Army at home Wednesday, March 9th at 5 PM.