NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U 35, Army West Point 7
Records: Life U, 1-0; Army, 2-1
 
MARIETTA, Ga. — The Life University men's rugby team opened the 2025 season with a big win over the Black Knights of Army West Point at home. After a first-half battle, the Running Eagles scored 21 unanswered points in the second half to take a 35-14 win.
 
It took just under two minutes for the scoring to start at Lupo Family Field. The Running Eagles found the opening try courtesy of Jordan Vassel. What started as a line-out on the far side of the field quickly turned in Vassel breaking away, sprinting down the left sideline to make it 5-0. The score line moved to 7-0 after a successful conversion from Jonty Lee.
 
Army West Point wasted no time getting the points back, evening the contest just five minutes later.
 
Life U once again took the lead in the 11^th minute. After pinning the Black Knights deep in their own territory, the Running Eagles blocked an attempted defensive clearance kick. Tristan Hübsch corralled the loose ball and scored the second try of the contest, making it 14-7 after another successful conversion from Lee.
 
The scoring slowed for the remainder of the half as both teams battled for control. Life U maintained the seven-point lead heading into the break.
 
Just six minutes out of the break, the Running Eagles took a two-score lead as Shaun Matthysen powered home the next try. A beautiful quick hands pass from Vassel to Bautista Araujo took Life U down to the try zone line before capping off the try.
 
Life U then continued to add to the lead with a late try from Araujo and another good try conversion. James Rose then added the final try of the match just two minutes later.

The Running Eagles defense held strong all the way through the final whistle, surrendering zero points in the second half. Life U claimed the 35-7 victory.
 
TURNING POINT:
--Shaun Matthysen scored just two minutes out of half time, making it 21-7.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
--Jordan Vassel, Tristian Hubsch, Shaun Matthysen, Bautista Araujo and James Rose all scored a try in the contest.
--Jonty Lee went 5/5 on try conversation kicks.

 

DUBS!! 🏉@lifeumrugby opens the season with a convincing win over Army today at LUPO!! A strong defensive second half held the Black Knights at bay to fuel the win! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/BLGAevEEev

— Life Running Eagles (@LifeUAthletics) September 20, 2025