Women's rugby defeated Life University 36-8 to claim the USA Rugby D1 Elite 15's National Championship Saturday night at Titan Stadium in Fullerton, California.  

Despite having played a semifinal match less than 24 hours earlier, the Lady Lions started quickly in the final.  McKenzie Hawkins slotted a penalty kick and then Destiny Arena scored for an early 10-0 lead.  The Running Eagles booted their own penalty kick, but that proved to be the only points for Life in the first 40 minutes.  Most Valuable Player Veteronnica Tafito dotted down for Lindenwood as did Teresa Bueso Gomez later in the half, and Hawkins followed with both conversions for a 22-3 lead at the break.

The Lady Lions carried momentum into the second half, continuing with great ball possession, attack, and defense.  Isabel Manu built the Lindenwood lead further with a score and Hawkins converted three penalty kicks.  Life crossed the line for its only try off a turnover in the 65^th minute, but the outcome was already in view, allowing both coaches to get substitutes into the game.

Head Coach Billy Nicholas reflected on the semifinal and championship victories.

"We had some great depth the whole weekend, with one through 23 getting in time for both matches which was a great opportunity for all the athletes on the national stage," he said.  "We wanted to keep our composure and discipline heading into day two as we knew it would be a mental battle with the turn-around time. I'm proud of the way our team carried itself throughout the weekend, it's an outstanding feat, and we are very thankful for all the support from our family, friends, school, and alumni."

Nicholas continued with an assessment of the sport of rugby in general.

"It has been great to see the level of competition in collegiate women's rugby continue to grow over the past few years, not just our program, but teams around the country," he said.  "It's been clear how it continually becomes more and more competitive and we are excited to be involved in that."

The title is the first 15's championship for Lindenwood, but second overall for the program after winning the USA Rugby D1 Collegiate Sevens crown last year.  The Lady Lions will seek to defend that title May 18-19 at Infinity Park in Glendale, Colorado.