The 2024-25 men's rugby campaign came to an end in the Collegiate Rugby Association of America (CRAA) D1A Playoff semifinals with a 31-7 loss to No. 1 East seed Life University Saturday afternoon at Lupo Family Field in Marietta, Georgia. After an evenly played match through the first 40 minutes, the Running Eagles took over in the second half and pulled away from the Lions.
How it Happened:
The game began with some back-and-forth play that ultimately led to a Life try in the sixth minute. After a great kick from
Brendan Mason put Lindenwood in solid position, the Running Eagles executed a knock-on the ball, but the Lions lost a scrum and that led to a penalty. Lindenwood defended the lineout and did well to win the ball back, but a knock-on from the Lions rewarded Life with a scrum. A quick toss around the scrum gave the Running Eagles some space and an opening over the try line. With the ensuing conversion, Life led 7-0.
Lindenwood responded to tie the match in the next 15 minutes. With the fall in hand, the Lions put several phases together in their end of the pitch. After a competitive kick to switch field position, the Running Eagles had an opportunity to run the ball, but they dropped it and
David Cathcart gobbled it up and with some slick footwork, beat his defender and was off to the races to score.
Byron Forword slotted the conversion to knot the contest in the 21
st minute.
Both teams traded possession and field position for the remainder of the first half and it was still a 7-7 tie at the break.
As the second half began, both teams continued to fight tooth and nail for possession and momentum swings and the first big swing went in favor of Life. Lindenwood had a line-out, but an overthrow gave the Running Eagles the ball and they started to string phases together. The drive culminated in a second try from Life and when the conversion was made, the Running Eagles led 14-7 in the 47
th minute. They would carry a lead for the rest of the match.
With all momentum in the Life camp, the Lions continued to work and put multiple phases together to find space in the Running Eagles defense, but a well-read kick allowed Life to boot the ball into space and chase it down. After the Running Eagles won a lineout, they set up a maul and scored again. With another successful conversion, their lead was extended to 21-7 in the 58
th minute.
Lindenwood continued its efforts to mount a comeback. After an exit clearance by
Brendan Mason relieved some pressure, Life executed a lineout and set up another maul. With the ball in play, the Running Eagles peeled off and drove towards the try line. The Lions initially defended well, but Life still found a big enough crack to score. The conversion made it 28-7 in the 65
th minute.
The Running Eagles added a penalty kick in the final minutes to clinch the victory and advance to the D1A Championship game.
Coach Quote:
Head Coach
Josh Macy: "Our exit from the playoffs wasn't a great example of the heroic effort put forth by the Lions this season. We just didn't have it, and Life was the deserved winner.
"I hope our players take forward memories of a great year, and lessons learned on and off the field that can prop them up as men in the years to come.
"Myself and the rest of the coaching staff are thankful for their hard work and attitudes this year. They put themselves out there and dared to try. It never feels good having your heart broken, but it's the trying that matters. Go Lions."
Player Quote:
Duncan Krige: "The semifinal wasn't the game we planned on ending our season with, but that's the beauty of the sport. The wins wouldn't be as sweet without the losses. Sadly, we were on the other side of the stick this weekend but very proud of the season we've had, and the boys can hold their heads high. I look forward to being a very passionate old boy cheering these lads on from the stands."
What's Next:
Men's rugby concluded its season with an overall record of 35-4-1. The Lions will return to action for the 2025-26 campaign in September.
Scoring Summary:
6' Life University try 5-0
6' Life University Conversion 7-0
21' Lindenwood try 7-5
22' Lindenwood conversion 7-7
46' Life University try 12-7
47' Life University 14-7
56' Life University try 19-7
58' Life University Conversion 21-7
64' Life University try 26-7
65' Life university conversion 28-7
29' Life University Penalty Kick 31-7
