By: Nick Pope: Sports Information Director
MARIETTA, Ga. — The Life University men's rugby team earned a hard-fought 31–24 road victory over Lindenwood in the D1A Round of 16, advancing to the national semifinals.
Life controlled the opening half and set the tone early, building a 24–10 lead behind an efficient attacking stretch. Jonty Lee opened the scoring with a penalty goal in the 19th minute before the Running Eagles found the try line in quick succession. Shaun Matthysen struck in the 24th minute, followed by Seth Kros in the 26th and Beatty in the 29th as Life capitalized on its opportunities. Lee was reliable off the tee, converting multiple chances to give Life a two-score cushion heading into the break.
Lindenwood responded in the second half and worked its way back into the match, cutting into the deficit and applying sustained pressure. The contest tightened late, but Life delivered in a key moment when Ramsey broke through in the 71st minute for a crucial try to extend the lead.
From there, the Running Eagles leaned on their defense, coming up with important stops and maintaining composure in a physical road environment to see out the result.
With the 31–24 win, Life advances to the D1A semifinals, where it will face Navy with a spot in the national championship on the line.
