Life University Athletics

PHOENIX, Ariz. - Sunday evening, the Life University women's rugby team made history earning a hard-fought victory over long-standing rival Lindenwood University to be crowned the D1 Elite National Champions for the first time in program history.

In an emotional rollercoaster of a night, the Running Eagles fell behind in the first half after conceding the game's first 17 points before eventually breaking through with a try in the 24th minute. A Nina Mason break through down the middle led to the team's second score as Emma Haughey's score continued to cut into the Lindenwood lead. The Running Eagles maintained pressure and took no time capitalizing in their next possession, charging down the field and scoring again as MA Sorensen finalist Matilda Kocaj dove into the try zone to score the final Life U try of the half in the 35th minute. Despite scores and a small shake in momentum,  it was Lindenwood 22, Life 19 at halftime.

In the second half, Lindenwood again capped off an attack with a try as after the conversion they extended their lead to 29-19. After that, the Running Eagles marched back down the field and broke through with a sustained attack, Lissa Salisbury earning the try. Nina Mason slotted the extras, and it was a nailbiter once more at 29-26.

Another try for Lindenwood pushed them farther ahead but a penalty against the Lions 40 meters out put Mason back up to kick and she had no problem with it, punching into the lead 34-29.

Life University's punch was countered once again though as Lindenwood responded, scoring another try, 41-29.

In Life U's next possession a perfect pass to an onrushing Mercie Vavao provided the Running Eagles' their next try. Then, as full time approached, Life U continued to fire on offense opening their attack and forcing Lindenwood to scramble. Superb patience, a refusal to turn the ball over, and a disciplined sustained attack eventually saw Danie Taulua up and over. Again, Mason's kick was good and it was 41-41.

With time winding down, and the entire season on the line, there was just a few minutes to crown a champion. Lindenwood worked their way forward first, but stonewall defending eventually led to the desired turnover. When the Running Eagles got the ball, a deep punt down the field was fielded and a tackle from Kocaj drew out a Lindenwood penalty.

Now, in the 77th minute, the Running Eagles again put their faith in Mason. Cool, calm, and collected, the Pennsylvania native stepped up to the occasion and drilled the matching-winning kick, 44-41.

It was an unlikely win, a true display of grit and character, and a demonstration of resilience and perserverance. Postgame, Head Coach Ryszard Chadwick gathered and shared his thoughts on the monumental event and his team's performance.

"This was a great showcase for women's rugby. What a performance from both teams. We have worked hard all year building a new standard for this program and it showed in the grit and resilience. To go so far behind, so quickly, and to come back in the first half the way we did was impressive." 

"However, it was not as impressive as the second half where we showed real composure and a really thoughtful process. We stuck to the game plan and it, in the end, got us the outcome we wanted. A full team performance and an outstanding performance from Nina Mason in all aspects of the game. And finally, a big thanks to all who traveled and supported us today and all season, it means everything to the players."

Haughey was named Championship MVP, but a full team performance was needed. Lindenwood scored more tries than Life, but Mason's ability to get points was the ultimate game-decider.

The Running Eagles's win makes history as they end Lindenwood's run of dominance in 15s. According to the Goff Rugby Report, the match set D1 Elite records for total points scored in a game (85), tries scored in a game (13), and points/tries scored by the losing side (41, 7). In only one other final has a team scored more than Life's 44 points, and that was Lindenwood's 54 in 2021. 

Up next, the Running Eagles quickly turn their attention to 7s with the national tournament set for May, 4th.