Reigning champions never go down easily and that was the case Sunday morning against the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, the defending national champion, but with a spot in the USA Rugby Division II Final Four on the line, the Lions prevailed over the Warhawks 27-15 in Madison, Wis.  Lindenwood overcame a large and physical team as well as a loud partisan crowd in a virtual home game for Whitewater.    

The two teams were evenly matched and neither could gain much of an advantage in the first half as the Lions went to the break with a slim 17-10 lead.  Lindenwood was finally able to pull away late in the game thanks to strong play from the front line of Trevor Locke, Austin Tejerina, Cody Schwahn and Jeremy Chacon.  Morgan Findlay was the offensive leader for the Lions as he crossed the line three times.  Brendan Davis scored twice in the game, including a big try with about five minutes remaining to seal the victory for Lindenwood.

The Lions improved their collegiate record to 18-0 for the season and will play in the USA Rugby Division II Final Four in Rio Tinto Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah May 19.