Women's rugby began its season with a 38-24 win over the Life West Gladiatrix September 15 on Treasure Island, near Oakland, California.
The Lions faced one of their toughest 15's tests in two years as the Gladiatrix came into the match undefeated in 15's play and as the reigning two-time D1 Club National Champions. Life West recently earned victories against the Atlanta Harlequins WPL team and the Life University Running Eagles.
The score was close through the first half before Lindenwood created some breathing room in the second half. Life West applied great pressure in the opening minutes and kept the Lions pinned in their own end. At the 15 minute mark, the two teams had traded tries for a 5-5 tie. The experience and leadership of a skilled senior class started showing for Lindenwood, but it was just a 19-14 lead for the Lions at the break.
Head Coach
Billy Nicholas was complementary of his opponent.
"It was great as a team to get out and get our first hit out of the season against such a quality team," he said. "This was one of the most competitive matches of rugby I have had the pleasure to coach and definitely have a lot of respect for the Life West program, coaching staff, and players."
In the second half, the Lions added another 19 points to their score while only yielding 10 more points to the Gladiatrix. Coach Nicholas played all 23 rostered
players and the fresh legs and depth energized the team.
Six different players accounted for the Lindenwood scoring, led by McKenzie Hawkins with 11. Nika Paogofie-Buyten was close behind with 10 while Kodi Barlow, Caring De Freitas, and Veteronnica Tafito each scored a try for five points. Natalie Gray booted a conversion to get into the scoring column with two points.
The Lions completed the 2017-18 season with three national titles: the USA Rugby Elite 15's Championship, USA Rugby Collegiate Sevens Championship, and CRC Sevens Championship; but Coach Nicholas won't let his team rest on its laurels.
"One of the things we talk about as a team is being better than the year before, that's a measurable for us," he said. "Right now we are on track, we have an even stronger foundation match one this year than we did match one last year and that is what we look forward to building from. You can just sense the momentum and motivation we have at each training session and match. It's something quite special.
"Thank you to all of our family and friends that came out to the match. As always we feel the support from all over the world from family near and far, that never goes unnoticed."
The player awards on the day went to Paogofie-Buyten as the Forward Lions MVP, Tafito as the Back Lion MVP and Isabel Manu for the Hit Stick.
Women's rugby returns to action on the road September 22 at Infinity Park in Glendale, Colorado. The Lions B squad faces the Glendale Merlins D1 team at 3 p.m. and the A squad faces the Merlins WPL team at 5 p.m. Saturday afternoon.
