For the first 15 minutes of the game, Lindenwood men’s rugby went toe to toe with Life University, the favorite to win the USA Rugby Division 1A Championship, but in a physical match, the Running Eagles slowly imposed their will, sending the Lions to a 31-10 defeat Saturday afternoon on a soggy and muddy pitch in Marietta, Ga.

Lindenwood kept Life off the scoreboard and even took a 3-0 lead on a Morgan Findlay penalty kick early in the contest, but continuous offensive pressure from the Running Eagles eventually led to a try and a 7-3 lead for Life.  The Lions struggled on their set pieces and spent a majority of the first half defending, leading to an 18-3 deficit at the break.

In the second half, the Running Eagles converted two penalty kicks to extend to a 24-3 lead before Lindenwood #8 Sebastian Kalm finally broke through with the lone try of the game for the Lions, breaking a couple of tackles and running it in from 20 yards.  The score remained 24-10 until Life crossed the try line with just moments left in the game for the final margin.  

Coach Ron Laszewski commented on the tough battle.

“It looked like we might put in another try in the second half, but they held us out,” he said.  “But it was a great learning experience.  We played within three tries and it could have been closer.  The guys aren’t hanging their heads at all.”

With the loss, Lindenwood is now 8-2 on the season.  The Lions get a weekend off for spring break before returning to action at home against Arkansas State University April 6.  The kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. on the pitch at Harlen C. Hunter Stadium.