Women's rugby earned a 60-0 shutout victory over Central Washington in a D1 Elite Conference matchup Saturday afternoon in Ellensburg, Washington. 

In the first 15's matchup between the two squads, the Lions managed to build a 17-0 advantage in the first half, despite a lack of rhythm from either team.  The offense found some flow in the second half and added another 43 points to the scoreboard while stifling the Wildcats. 

Head Coach Billy Nicholas expected a battle from Central Washington.

"It was a very physical matchup and that is what we expected from the Wildcats," he said.  "We have a lot of respect for their athletes and coaching staff, so we knew we would be tested.  I think our players focused a bit too much on that aspect in the first half, but we found our composure and calm and settled into a tactical flow and started working as a team a bit more in the second half."

Joyce Taufa led the offense with 20 points on four tries.  Five others added single tallies for five points each including Nika Paogofie-Buyten, Veteronnica Tafito, Mary Healy, Caitlyn Edwards, and Destiny Arena.  McKenzie Hawkins booted four conversions and Natalie Gray kicked one during the match.

With the win, Lindenwood improved to 4-0 on the season.  The Lions will see Central Washington again in February, but will play former D1 Elite national champion Penn State next on October 14.  The opening kickoff is set for 10 a.m. Sunday at a neutral site in Elkhart, Indiana.

In other action from Saturday night, the Lindenwood second side hosted Western Illinois at Hunter Stadium and ran to a 115-0 victory.  Displaying an aggressive and attacking style, the Lions built an 80-0 advantage by halftime, then added another 35 points in the second half while emptying the bench. 

Second side captain Alicia Barry enjoyed the game experience.

"Playing in Hunter Stadium under the lights is always an honor and pushed the team motivation," she said.  "For many of the players, it was their first college rugby match, so it definitely surpassed expectations. We are excited to keep working hard and moving forward together."

The second side is now 2-1 and will travel to Elkhart, Indiana to face top ranked D1 opponent Davenport University on October 14 starting at 1 p.m.