Life University Athletics

MARIETTA, Ga. --- On a sunny Saturday afternoon, the Life University men's rugby team took a lead early on and never looked back, taking home a 24-17 victory over seventh-seed Army to start the USA Rugby D1A Playoffs at Lupo Family Field,.

The Running Eagles took an early lead in the first half when Philani Simamane scored a try 11 minutes into the game. The Running Eagle's kept a tight defense and Army could not get through Life U's defense to score a try during the first half. Life U had a strong kicking game throughout the game but the Eagles caused three penalty kicks in which Army utilized to still be in the game. With 10 minutes left in the first half, Logan Ballinger bulldozed through Army's defense to add another try. Bradley Crane then took care of both conversions in the first half and the Running Eagle's went into halftime with a 14-9 lead. 

Life U started the second half in the lead, but Army remained close. Army took the first points of the half after scoring another penalty kick. Six minutes later Army got into the try zone, add their first and only try of the game, putting them in the lead 17-14. After that, the Running Eagles tightened their defense, stopping Army on the attack stopping the visitors from scoring any more tries or penalty kicks in the game. In the 63rd minute, Life U finally regained the lead with try after an extended exhuasting attack. Sean Lenzsch scored the team's third try to capture the lead and with seven minutes left in the game, the Running Eagles scored a penalty kick making the final score 24-17.

Crane scored all three conversions, adding crucial points to the scoreboard. 

Life U's postseason continues next week as the Running Eagles gear up to host a D1A quarterfinal matchup against Lindenwood. Kickoff on Saturday is yet to be determined.