By: Nick Pope: Sports Information Director
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — The Life University women's rugby team delivered a commanding performance against Peaks Academy on Saturday, controlling the match from start to finish in a 45–15 victory.
The Running Eagles wasted no time establishing momentum. Christina Opeti opened the scoring in the sixth minute, and Nina Mason added the conversion to make it 7–0. Liberty Benitez extended the lead shortly after with a penalty, followed by another successful Mason conversion for a 14–0 advantage just ten minutes in.
Peaks Academy momentarily halted the surge with a try in the 18th minute, but Life U immediately regained control. Navaho Elliot powered over at 27:30, and Mason converted once again to rebuild the cushion. Opeti struck for her second try of the afternoon in the 33rd minute, and just five minutes later, Sofia Fernandez finished off another attacking sequence to send Life U into the break firmly ahead, 33–5.
Opeti completed her hat trick early in the second half with a try in the 42nd minute, stretching the Running Eagles' dominance. Peaks Academy found two additional scores in the later stages, but Life U's defense held strong throughout the half.
The final statement came in the 76th minute when Mason dotted down for a well-earned try. Bella Vogel added the conversion to close out the match at 45–15, sealing an emphatic home victory and a standout offensive showing from the Running Eagles.
