The Lions had a successful debut in their first regular season USA Rugby Division 1A contest, posting a 61-12 win against Wheeling Jesuit University at the Lindenwood Track Saturday afternoon.

The Lions raced to a 35-0 lead, scoring just two minutes into the game on a play from fullback Andrew Quinlivan. Flyhalf Kolton Nelson quickly followed with a try four minutes later and then Mathius Harris, Nicholas Markowski and Gabe Farley each scored. Harris crossed the try line for the second time to give Lindenwood a 40-7 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Tamatasi Paogofie-Buyten and wing Cameron Reed added to the scoreboard for the Lions and Farley posted his second try of the game to finish the victory.

Coach Ron Laszewski was happy with the solid win.

"It was a good match and a good opportunity to look at a few of our new additions," he said. "It was a solid debut overall."

The Lions get the weekend off before the freshman team returns to the pitch to face Saint Louis University September 24. The opening kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Lindenwood Track.