While most of the top D1A men's rugby teams battled on the pitch in the first round of the College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) playoffs this past weekend, Lindenwood was idle.
 
The Lions were one of four teams that earned a bye nationally, but it was not guaranteed, even after winning the Mid-South Conference (MSC) regular season title. Unlike years past, Lindenwood also had to be among the top two ranked teams in the Eastern Conference based on wins and strength of schedule. By virtue of victories over No. 3 seed Life University, No. 4 seed Army, and No. 5 seed Davenport during the season, the Lions finished as the No. 2 ranked team in the Eastern Conference for the second year in a row. Undefeated Navy earned the other bye as the top seed.  
 
Assistant Coach Zach Thorum noted that the additional week off could not have come at a better time for the Lions.
 
"We will use the time to focus on fitness, self-evaluation, and recovery," he said. "We want to dial in a few components of our game and make sure we are playing championship level rugby when our quarterfinal match kicks off."
 
Lindenwood will host that quarterfinal match against long-time MSC rival Life University after the Running Eagles dispatched No. 6 seed Texas A & M 82-0 Saturday afternoon. Life handed the Lions their only Mid-South Conference and D1A loss of the year, a 34-22 defeat on the road in Marietta, Georgia in mid-February. Lindenwood avenged it will great defense in a 17-7 victory at home four weeks later, so being able to host the Running Eagles in front of a supportive crowd will be an advantage.
 
It will be Lindenwood versus Life University in the D1A Quarterfinals April 15. The opening kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. this Saturday night at Hunter Stadium in St. Charles, Missouri.