MARIETTA, Ga. - On a balmy Wednesday evening, October 15, 2025, at 7:30 PM, the LIFE U Women's Rugby team electrified their home crowd under the lights, overpowering the 2.0 Selects, 40-5, in a match that showcased their growth and tenacity. With the temperature at a pleasant 72 degrees and referee Bella overseeing the action, the Running Eagles delivered a commanding performance, punctuated by eight tries and a special moment from a familiar face on the opposing side.
The game exploded into life when back Sarah Barsoum darted over for a try at just 1:57, putting Life U up 5-0. She struck again at the 8-minute mark, doubling the lead to 10-0 with her signature flair. The 2.0 Selects hit back at 12:35 through Life U alumna Nicky Nguyen, a former senior hooker from Garden Grove, California, whose powerful forward's try brought a wave of nostalgia and cut the score to 10-5. Yet, the Life U response was relentless. Forward Clare Czap muscled over at the 40-minute mark, followed by back Hallie Fewless at 46 minutes, pushing the lead to 20-5. The second half saw the Eagles soar: Madison Doyle crossed at 52:55, Tinerudo Mawoyo powered through at 61:02, Dorothy Vunipola added a forward's try at 67:25, and Mawoyo sealed the night with her second at 73:31, finalizing the 40-5 rout. Conversions didn't fall, but the eight-try onslaught spoke volumes.
Life U controlled 53% of possession and 47% of territory, dominating the second and third quarters with 67% and 88% possession, respectively. Their set-piece prowess shone, winning 9 of 12 scrums and 7 of 8 lineouts, while a disciplined defense—conceding just 8 penalties to the Selects' 11—stifled any comeback hopes. The Eagles racked up 112 carries, 4 line breaks, and an 89% tackle success rate (86 of 96 tackles), with 82% positive attacking breakdowns and 7 turnovers forced. The second half's defensive intensity, as noted by Head Coach Ryszard Chadwick, was pivotal, turning the alumni-led challenge into a showcase of the Life U depth.
Immy Taylor stood tall for the Running Eagles, her leadership anchoring the squad, while Barsoum and Mawoyo's try-scoring heroics lit up the field. For the Selects, Nguyen's try was a heartfelt highlight, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Life U rugby family. Coach Ryszard Chadwick praised the team's evolution: "With a Wednesday night crowd under the lights, 2.0 Selects fronted up and gave our younger players a real test, with some seniors getting crucial minutes—some after years away. Compared to our Penn State game, the intent and growth in just 10 days were remarkable. We executed what we couldn't before, and our defensive sets pressured 2.0 while staying disciplined. I'm thrilled with this team's performance."
This victory, sparked by youthful energy and seasoned grit, marks a bold step forward for LIFE U Women's Rugby. With alumni like Nguyen inspiring from the other side, the Running Eagles' family ethos shone brightly. Fans can expect more thrilling displays as the team builds on this momentum at home.
