Life University Athletics

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- The Life University men's rugby team's championship run ended Saturday afternoon, falling short  to the talented and well-executed Navy side in the D1A College Rugby Semifinals, 27-17.

Navy scored early on in the 9th minute and led for much of the contest to end the Running Eagles' championship hopes. Despite the early score, the Running Eagles had persistent pressure and eventually broke through with a penalty conversion in the 22nd minute. In the very next possession, sustained offense deep in Navy's half saw Karch Hoffman break through the outside and take the 10-7 lead after a Bradley Crane conversion. The remainder of the half was spent primarily in the middle third before an error on a Life U lineout turned the ball over. The Running Eagles conceded a score shortly after and just before the half in the 38th minute. Heading to the break, the Running Eagles trailed 17-10.

In the second half, the Running Eagles continued to create opportunities but again it was Navy's goal-line defense that held strong in the early parts of final 40. To start the half, Life U instantly stepped up their pressure and forced Navy back into their own half. With Navy pushed all the way into their try zone for minutes, the foes held strong and held Life U at bay as the game moved back into the middle third. With Life U still generating the majority of offense and chances, the Running Eagles conceded the next points of the halfafter a detrimental fumble of the ball led to a breakaway run relieving all the Life U pressure. Eventually,  in the 55th minute, Navy added to their lead, 24-10. With time not on Life U's side, a big run on the sideline ended in a Navy high-tackle on the edge of the try zone, provided Life U their final points of the contest after a yellow card was issued in the 65th minute. Life U's next possessions were again held at bay and as time expired, the Running Eagles fell short, 27-17.

Director of men's rugby, Dr. Blake Bradford shared his thoughts post-game, stating, "We knew we had to play our best game today to beat Navy and we weren't accurate enough in a few areas of our game.

It is sad way to end our season, especially for an amazing group of seniors, but we don't define our success by a single performance. I am extremely proud of the growth of these men both on and off the field this season, and I am very excited for the future. We will take our lessons from this season and look forward to the opportunity to come back stronger next year.

I would like to thank all our families, our fans, our friends, our staff and the athletic department for supporting us this season. And a special thanks to all our seniors for leaving the jersey in a better place."

Up next, the men's rugby team will look to regroup this week and get back to work preparing for the CRAA 7s Championship with a chance defend their title in June.