Men's rugby was eliminated from the USA Rugby D1A playoffs with a 37-20 loss to Life University Saturday afternoon in Marietta, Georgia.  The Lions fell behind early in the first half and were unable to get back in the game.

The Running Eagles put points on the board in the third minute and seventh minute and led 12-0 before Nick Feakes was able to convert a penalty kick in the 10^th minute to make it 12-3, but Life continued to press the issue and scored again in the 17^th minute for a 19-3 advantage.  Feakes was able to boot another penalty kick in the 23^rd minute, but the Running Eagles countered right before halftime to take a 26-6 lead into the break.

Another Life try early in the second half extended the advantage to 31-6 before the Lions pushed back a bit.  Jeremy Leber dotted down on a pick and go and Feakes converted the try to make it 31-13 in the 56^th minute and that score remained until the Running Eagles booted a penalty kick in the 73^rd minute, but Feakes scored for Lindenwood by slithering between two defenders just seconds later after a long line break from Mickey Bateman and it was 34-20 in favor of Life.  The Running Eagles added another penalty kick just before time ran out for the 37-20 final.

Head Coach Josh Macy assessed the defeat.

"We came out a little too squirrelly in the first half and the Running Eagles did a great job of capitalizing," he said.  "It's tough to play down against a great team, but I'm proud of how we played in the second half.  It's interesting to see how Life's composure changed when they were under pressure.  Had we been able to do that the whole game, it might have been a different result."

Junior flyback Nick Feakes echoed those sentiments.

"It was a physical, tough game as always, but you can't afford to give a classy outfit like the Running Eagles a 20-point halftime lead," he said.  "Our defense just wasn't up to standard and they punished us, but I'm proud of the boys for all of the hard work and effort that they put forth this season."

With the loss, men's rugby completes its 15's season, but will prepare for the Collegiate Rugby 7's Championships June 3-4 at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, Pennsylvania.