By: Nick Pope
MARIETTA, Ga. – The Life University Men's Rugby team battled to a gritty 18-17 victory over a formidable Army side in a thrilling quarterfinal matchup on Lupo Family Field. Despite a late deficit, the he Running Eagles demonstrated poise and resilience, overcoming a second-half surge and strong defending from Army before Crane secured late penalty kick to secure the win.
Tries were scored by Nahuel Wingord in the 22nd minute and Seth Kramlich at the 60-minute mark. Bradley Crane contributed significantly with his boot, slotting a conversion and two penalties to total 8 points on the day.
The match was a hard-fought contest throughout. Life U led early after Wingord's effort and a penalty from Crane, but Army clawed back with a try and conversion to take a narrow lead in the second half. Kramlich's try and Crane's steady kicking brought the Running Eagles back in front late in the match.
Statistically, Life U edged Army in scrums won (9 to 7) and turnovers (4 each), while also facing challenges in handling errors (7) and penalties conceded (8). A single yellow card tested the team's resilience late in the first half.
Director of Men's Rugby Blake Bradford praised the team's tenacity: "I am really proud of the effort from our boys today against a very tough Army team. We had a lot of opportunities in the first half that we did not take advantage of, and that put us under a lot of pressure in the second half. I am proud of how the boys fought hard towards the end of the game to pull off that win."
The tight victory advances Life U further into the postseason, where they'll next host Lindenwood next weekend in the D1A Semifinals.
