By: Nick Pope: Sports Information Director
Buena Vista, VA — The Life University men's rugby team turned in a commanding performance on the road Saturday morning, pulling away in the second half to earn a 59–19 victory over Southern Virginia University.
The Running Eagles wasted no time setting the tone, striking in the 5th minute as Aaron Faizon found space on the outside for the opening try. Mart Gerritse followed soon after, muscling his way through the Knights' defense in the 11th minute. After a successful conversion, Southern Virginia answered with a try of its own following an extended stretch of possession in the midfield.
Life U quickly regained control when Leon Best powered over the line for another try directly under the uprights, with Jonty Lee adding the conversion to extend the lead to 19–7. The Knights responded just before halftime with a converted try to cut the deficit to 19–14 heading into the break.
The second half belonged entirely to the Running Eagles. Leo Venables and Tristan Hubsch sparked the surge with back-to-back tries in the opening ten minutes, each converted by Lee to make it 33–14. From there, Life U's offense proved unstoppable — Venables, Hubsch, and Zander Basson each crossed the try line again as the Eagles ran away with the contest. The defense stayed disciplined throughout, surrendering only one try in the final 40 minutes.
INSIDE THE MATCH
Key Moment: A dominant second-half stretch featuring two tries apiece from Hubsch and Venables put the game out of reach.
Scoring Breakdown: Life U tries — Tristan Hubsch (2), Leo Venables (3), Aaron Faizon, Leon Best, Mart Gerritse. Jonty Lee went 7-for-9 on conversions.
The Running Eagles return home next weekend to host Ohio State at 1 p.m. on Lupo Family Field.
