After falling behind by 15 points in the second half, men's rugby made a valiant comeback, but came up short in the end, losing to number two ranked Life University 21-17 in a game played in Kennesaw, Ga. Saturday afternoon.

The fourth ranked Lions actually scored first in the contest on a Lunaile Tshuma penalty kick, but the Running Eagles answered on their own penalty kick, and then took a 10-3 lead on a try and conversion just before halftime.

In a tough, physical battle, things took a turn in the wrong direction for Lindenwood early in the second half when Kolton Nelson was issued a red card. Playing with a man advantage, Life opened up an 18-3 lead by adding a penalty kick and a try.

When it looked like the Running Eagles might literally run away with it, the Lions fought back. Marshall Godfrey and Mickey Bateman provided a spark as they each scored tries. Tshuma added the conversions and Lindenwood was within just one point, but, that's as close as it would get. Life added a penalty kick with less than two minutes to go to seal the win.

James Poli and Michael Gierlach were given "Man of the Match" recognition for the Lions, who fell to 1-3 in Mid-South play. Lindenwood stays on the road and in the conference when they travel to Grand Rapids, Mich. to face Davenport April 5. The Lions earned their only Mid-South win of the season when they defeated the Panthers at home 27-16 on March 15.

In other men's rugby action March 29, the Lions second XV fell to the Running Eagles second XV 12-9. Nick Feakes went 3/3 in penalty kicks to account for the only scoring for Lindenwood. Feakes and Tom O'Connor were given "Man of the Match" recognition for the Lions.