Men's rugby was defeated by Life University 25-21 in a Mid-South Conference tussle Saturday afternoon in Marietta, Ga.

The Running Eagles took an early lead just three minutes into the game on a try in the corner, but failed on the conversion, making it 5-0.  In the 23^rd minute, the Lions conceded a penalty which was easily converted, and helped extend the Life lead to 8-0.  The Running Eagles were driving the full field for another score, but Lindenwood center Alex Augsburg stifled the effort with a saving tackle to keep the Lions close.  The heroics were short-lived, however.  Just one minute later, Life used a strong forward push off a line-out to cross the line and took a 15-0 advantage into halftime.

After another Running Eagles try early in the second half, Lindenwood started mounting a comeback, finally scoring on a try from Sione Fangaiuiha in the 55^th minute.  Lunaile Tshuma added the conversion to make it 22-7.  Moments later, a short side break from Gabe Farley was off-loaded to Cameron Reed and a strong fend put the Lions over the line, but Life replied with a penalty conversion in the 65^th minute and it was 25-14.  After a great defensive effort from Wes Parker, Lindenwood won the ball back for a five meter scrum in the 78^th minute, leading to a huge drive from the Lions forward pack, which culminated with a Sebastian Kalm score and just a four point deficit, but that was as close as Lindenwood could get.

With the loss, the Lions fall to 6-3-1 overall and 1-1 in conference.  They return to the pitch on March 14 to host Davenport.  The opening kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Hunter Stadium in St. Charles, Mo.