Life University Athletics

HOUSTON, TX. — Fresh off a Tropical 7s win a couple of weeks ago, the Life University women's rugby team's 13 selected players that traveled to Houston knew coming in that they had what it took to be at the top of the national championship tournament. 

Coming into the tournament, the Running Eagles were named the one seed, which added increased pressure, and this showed in game one as Davenport came out of the block firing which put the Running Eagles on the back foot and tested the team early. Despite the early setback, the team was able to quickly compose themselves in the second half, scoring with the last play to end the game with a win, 17-12. 

After a scary first game, the Running Eagles again found themselves in trouble against the CRAA Women Selects, narrowly escaping for the second straight game, this time with only a few seconds to spare in the second half, 24-14. Finally finding their rhythm in the third game of the day, the team started strong and finished strong against Army, comfortably winning the contest, 38-12. 

Saturday evening, the women faced an incredibly physical and very good Central Washington team in a quarterfinal contest. Midway through the contest, the team trailed 14-7 at half time as CWU's high-level players and multiple unforced errors had again put the Running Eagles in a hole.  After the quick intermission, the rejuvenated Running Eagles were able to bounce back winning 24-12. 

On a rainy day two in the semifinals, the team faced Harvard in Aveva Stadium. After trailing 17-0 at halftime, the Running Eagles used a major mindset shift at the break, suffocating Harvard on both sides of the ball in the second half. Relentless pressure starved Harvard of any possession with the Running Eagles completing the unlikely comeback to win the game, 21-17. 

In the championship game, Life U lined up against their longstanding rival, Lindenwood, winners of the previous four 7s national championships. The game was back and forth in the first half, but in the second, after a couple of penalties and some fortunate bounces of the ball, the Running Eagles were awarded a scrum with not much time remaining on the clock. Life U then won the scrum, quickly turning the possession to a try, naming Life University USA Rugby's 2023 College Premier 7s National Champion. 
 

Head women's rugby coach Ryszard Chadwick shared his thoughts on the team's championship and tournament performance, stating, "Games and tournaments like this are not won and lost in these moments. They are won and lost in the preparation leading up to these moments and the thirteen that traveled were pushed on a daily basis by players who didn't travel. The greater squad played a massive role in getting these players ready and deserve just as much credit for the win. Since January they have been working to gain more knowledge, become more athletic, and develop a higher skill set." 

He then continued by naming key people that made the tournament appearance a championship run. 

"Everyone deserves to have shout outs and highlights, but sometimes you have to mention a couple of names with their standout performances. Susan Adegoke was named the Tournament MVP and Alex Wantlin was the Captain and on-field leader with a top level work rate." Chadwick then continued, "We named Nina Wilson our MVP as she was consistently excellent in her role. She was the glue of the team and played the most minutes out of everyone all tournament. Lastly, we want to give a special shout out to all of the support staff. Kevin Tippett has worked around the clock keeping the athletes fit and healthy and Laura Delosier and Cathy Tillery have been instrumental in helping shape our student athletes into top level athletes." 

Chadwick then closed with a final shoutout for Autumn LoCicero, the Running Eagles' graduate assistant who was sidelined after an injury in the fall, "Finally a quick shoutout to Autumn who was unable to play due to surgery. She has run the operation of the team all season. A job that has elevated the standards and expectations of the team and a great showing of forward thinking and responsibility." 

With the conclusion of the USA Rugby 2023 Women's Premier National Championship, Life U's 2022-23 season comes to a close.