Men's rugby was eliminated from title contention with a 41-7 loss to Life University in the semifinals of the USA Rugby D1A Playoffs Saturday afternoon in Marietta, Ga.

The Lions had the chance to take an early lead when the Running Eagles took a yellow card and went a man down for 10 minutes, but Life was the team that scored, using the width of the field to break free of the defense in the 12^th minute.  The Running Eagles intercepted a pass and ran it in for a try in the corner to go ahead 14-0 in the 21^st minute.  Life continued its push by taking advantage of an attacking scrum to score under the post in the 32^nd minute.  Lindenwood finally broke the shutout when Gabe Farley dotted down in the 35^th minute.  Lunaile Tshuma added the conversion to cut the deficit to 21-7, but Chris Schoeman received a yellow card in the 40^th minute, putting the Lions a man down.  As the first half came to a close, the Running Eagles booted a penalty kick to take a 24-7 lead to the break.

Lindenwood was still shorthanded to begin the second half and Life took advantage with a steal and 70 meter run for a score in the 48^th minute.  The Lions returned to full strength moments later, but still couldn't keep the Running Eagles at bay.  Life scored off an attacking scrum in the 61^st minute and added a penalty kick in the 70^th minute, then played defense the rest of the match.

Lindenwood concluded its 15's season with a record of 9-4.  The semifinal game represented the final 15's play in a Lions jersey for seniors Tommy Stachowiak, Maanihera Kapa, Morgan Findlay, and Tamatasi Paogofie-Buyten. 

Lindenwood will now turn its attention to 7's play as the team prepares for the USA Rugby College 7's National Championships July 28-29 in Denver, Colo.