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Score: Life 95, BYU 7
MARIETTA, Ga. — The Life University women's rugby team put together a commanding performance on February 28, defeating BYU 95–7 at home in Marietta.
The Running Eagles controlled the match from start to finish, scoring 15 tries while dominating possession, territory and the breakdown. Life built momentum early and maintained it across all four quarters, showcasing disciplined rugby that kept BYU on the back foot throughout the match.
The Eagles moved the ball efficiently, carried with purpose and defended aggressively. BYU's only try came during a brief stretch in the second half when compounded penalties allowed the visitors to capitalize, but outside of that short window Life remained composed and physical for the full 80 minutes.
Even with the dominant result, there were still areas the team can improve moving forward. Life left 10 points off the kicking tee, turned the ball over 18 times from over-eagerness, and finished with a 64 percent conversion rate on entries inside the 22.
Head Coach Ryszard Chadwick was pleased with the performance but noted there is still more to build on.
"We were relentless. We didn't give BYU anything all game," Chadwick said. "One two- or three-minute period where we compounded penalties led to their try, but apart from that we were so intense and so physical. We still could offer so much more. We have 10 points missing from the tee, we lost possession 18 times due to being too excited and throwing the ball away and had a 64 percent 22-meter entry conversion rate and still won 95–7. It could have been much more. BYU are not a bad side. They are well organized with good skills and are strong at the breakdown. We were just mentally and physically on another level."
Life generated points in a variety of ways throughout the match, including strong carries, smart kick returns, turnover opportunities converted into points, quick penalty taps and effective lineout work.
Nevaeh Elliott, Lissa Salisbury, Azhinaye Barner, Dorothy Vunipola, Amenekina Latu, Bella Vogel, Hallie Fewless and Megan Chang all contributed significantly in the victory as the Eagles scored consistently throughout the match.
The result stands as a strong statement win for Life University, showing a balanced attack with power up front and sharp play out wide as the Running Eagles continue to build momentum this season.
