By: Davis Barlow: Assistant Sports Information Director
MARIETTA, Ga. – The Life University Men's Rugby team used a strong second half performance to take down Lindenwood early Saturday afternoon. The Running Eagles rallied after the half time break, fueled by a packed home crowd. Life U outscored the visitors 24-0 in the second half on the way to a 31-7 victory.
Life U wasted no time getting on the board as Man of the Match Bautista Araujo scored the opening try just over six minutes into the contest. After the try conversion was knocked through by Bradley Crane, the Running Eagles claimed an early 7-0 lead.
Both squads battled for control in the first half, with neither able to gain sustainable momentum. In the 23rd minute, a crucial mistake by the Running Eagles allowed Lindenwood to get on the board. An off hand-off just inside the Lindenwood half of the field was taken all the way for the visitors first try of the game. After a successful try conversion, the score was tied at 7-7, where it would be until the half time break.
Out of the break, Life U wasted no time taking the lead back. Jordan Vassel scored the second try of the game for the Running Eagles in the 46th minute of action, giving his side all the momentum. The squad built upon the new-found momentum and with an energetic home crowd at their backs, Adam Chadwick punched in a third try in the 57th minute. Crane converted both kicks, pushing the lead to 21-7.
The scoring did not stop as just under ten minutes later, Wesley Piggins scored the fourth and final try of the day for the Running Eagles. From there, Crane finished the day 4/4 on conversions and added a penalty conversion in the 70th minute as Life U went on to close out the 31-7 win.
Up next, the Running Eagles make the journey to Indy for the D1A National Championship game where they will face a familiar opponent in the University of California Valley on Saturday, May 3.
