Men's rugby saw its season end in the D1A Playoff quarterfinals, falling 31-24 to Life University in a tightly contested battle at Hunter Stadium.
Luke Schaefer,
Jack McAllister, and
Caleb Murphy all crossed for tries, while
Byron Forword added crucial points from the tee.
How it Happened:
Lindenwood started with intent, striking first in the 12th minute as
Luke Schaefer crossed the line after sustained pressure.
Byron Forword converted to give the Lions a 7-0 lead. The momentum continued in the 17th minute, with Forword adding a penalty kick to extend the advantage to 10-0.
Life responded in the 19th minute with a penalty kick to get on the board, before leveling the match in the 24th minute with a converted try to make it 10-10. The visitors then took control midway through the half, adding another converted try in the 29th minute to lead 17-10.
An uncharacteristic error in the 31st minute proved costly for the Lions, as a loose ball bounced into Life's hands, leading to a try and conversion that pushed the deficit to 24-10 heading into halftime.
Lindenwood responded well after the break. In the 46th minute,
Jack McAllister powered over for a try, with Forword adding the extras to close the gap. With Life reduced to 14 men due to ill-discipline, the Lions capitalized again in the 54th minute when
Caleb Murphy crossed the line, and Forword converted to level the match at 24-24.
With the match still in the balance, Life found the decisive moment in the 69th minute, scoring a converted try to regain the lead at 31-24. Despite late pressure from Lindenwood, the visitors held firm to close out the match.
The Lions exit the playoffs after a hard-fought contest that remained within reach for much of the game. It marks the end of a strong season for Lindenwood, with plenty to build on and take pride in moving forward.
What's next:
Lindenwood now shifts focus to the D1A 7's season, set to kick off on April 9, 2026. The Lions will compete in an eight-team tournament held in the City of Iowa, with action spanning Saturday and Sunday. With a quick turnaround, Lindenwood will look to carry their momentum into the shorter format, bringing speed, precision, and intensity as they open their 7's campaign against strong national competition.
Coach's Quote:
" …an ending like that is tough. You can't help but feel like there is unfinished business out there.
It's important our players and staff take a long hard look at where we were in August and see how far they have come."
Players Quote:
" We knew the challenge going into the game and how much of a step-up this game was going to be, it is knock out rugby after all. Even after such a strong start to both half's we just couldn't make up for it in the end. I don't think I could have asked more from the boys and I'm beyond proud of the effort and fight we displayed the weekend. It's been an amazing season, and I'm so beyond pleased with all the lads and the work we've put in throughout the season."
Score Summary:
12' Try Lindenwood Try Luke Schaefer 5-0
13' Lindenwood Conversion Byron Forword 7-0
17' Lindenwood Penalty Kick Byron Forword 10-0
19' Life Penalty Kick 10-3
24' Life Try 10-8
25' Life Conversion 10-10
29' Life Try 10-15
30' Life Conversion 10-17
31' Life Try 10-22
32' Life Conversion 10-24
46' Lindenwood Try Jack McAllister 15-24
47' Lindenwood Conversion Byron Forword 17-24
54' Lindenwood Try Caleb Murphy 22-24
54' Lindenwood Conversion Byron Forword 24-24
69' Life Try 24-29
70'Life Conversion 24-31
