Men's rugby ended its fall campaign on a positive note with a solid 52-14 win over Penn State Saturday afternoon in State College, Penn. 
 
The number five ranked Nittany Lions jumped in front early when a penalty kick didn't make touch, but was followed with a score under the posts.  Lindenwood responded swiftly as senior Nicholas Markowski, who was playing his last game for the Lions, scored on a slick lineout move.  Moments later, Tamatasi Paogofie-Buyten darted under the posts after receiving a crafty inside ball from Mickey Bateman, who made a seamless transition from his normal halfback position to flyhalf.
 
Lindenwood extended its lead when Danny White gassed the Penn State defense with a speedy 50 yard run.  The Lions continued to pressure the Nittany Lions and it paid off when "Man of the Match" Nathaniel Rankin   created an opening for Nick Feakes to pounce on a loose ball and score.  At the half, Lindenwood led 26-7. 
 
The Lions scored the opening points of the second half when Jeremy Leber took an offload from flanker Gabriel Romero that led to a strong run and score.  After a brief delay in the contest to let some tempers cool, Penn State was rewarded with a hard earned try through their hooker, but from there, it was all Lindenwood with three unanswered tries, all coming from interchange players.  Austin Tijerina scored two of them in a cameo role at flanker and Jack Huckstepp streaked down the sideline after a slick pass from Gabe Farley for the other. 
 
In addition to the excellent play from Rankin, Tom O'Connor also excelled and Romero provided great determination and aggression. 
 
Head coach JD Stephenson was proud of his men.

"Today was a great 80 minute performance from all 23 players," he said.  "We were clinical in attack and defense, and were able to capitalize on the opportunities we were given." 
 
With the win, the Lions improved to 2-1 against collegiate opponents and 6-2 overall for the fall.  Lindenwood will get the rest of the year off before returning to action early in 2015.