Men's rugby mounted a strong comeback, but the late surge fell short in a 29-23 loss to Arkansas State Saturday afternoon at Huckaby Fields in Jonesboro, Arkansas. 
 
The Red Wolves took control of the match early by asserting their style over the Lions, displaying quick line speed and big hits on defense and by pushing the pace of play on the attack.  Lindenwood seemed to be caught off guard in the first minute as ASU cut right through the middle to score a converted try to make it 7-0.
 
The Lions remained calm however, and committed to their tactical plan to play in the opposition half of the pitch. Lindenwood was able to convert pressure into points with two penalty kicks from the foot of freshman fullback Evan Williams to pull within one 7-6, but that positive play was also plagued by inaccurate decision-making.  The Lion backs attempted to peel several wide floating passes and the Red Wolves pounced, getting a big hit that turned the ball over and led to an immediate try.  But, the Lions stayed patient and again worked the ball into the green zone where senior wing Cristian Rodriguez used some space and good footwork to score. 
 
Lindenwood only trailed 12-11 at halftime, but faced the wind in the second half and a determined Arkansas State squad.  The Red Wolves used that wind advantage well as they were able to clear their lines effectively while the Lions had to work twice as hard to gain ground. Slow defensive organization led to gaps in the Lindenwood defense and ASU capitalized.  Three consecutive tries and a conversion put the Red Wolves ahead 29-11, but the Lions continued to fight. 
 
All eight reserves entered the lineup and raised the level of play. Senior flanker Colten Hernandez was a force on defense and added a much-needed level of aggression. Freshmen Kayleb O'Donoghue and Tyren Al-Jiboori worked hard to get Lindenwood in striking distance.
 
The forward pack for the Lions utilized this positive play and scored consecutive tries through second row Marnus Spangenberg and flanker Michael de Waal to pull within six at 29-23.  Lindenwood took the ensuing restart and mounted a great series of play. Forwards were running hard and breaking the gain line and backs were finding a bit of space on the outside, but the Lions could not retain possession and the Red Wolves ended the game after the following scrum.
 
The Lions were unable to retain possession and ASU ended the game after the following scrum.
 
Lindenwood returns to the pitch February 16 against Clemson.  The opening kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Hunter Stadium in St. Charles, Missouri. 
 
In other action from Saturday, the Lions second XV grinded to a 13-7 victory over the Arkansas State second side.  The Lindenwood rugby 2nd side was able to outlast the Red Wolves and grind out a 13 - 7 win on the road. The young side showed great restraint and strong defense to earn the victory.
 
The match began with very little offense as neither team was able to gain a strong foothold in the opponent's zone.  Several times, a positive play was followed by an ill-advised kick or sloppy handling and the defense on both sides took advantage. 
 
The Lions worked their game plan well and finally earned a penalty kick in the red zone that freshman flyhalf Reece Botha slotted for a 3-0 lead.  It looked like the half was going to end with Lindenwood ahead, but a yellow card for a high tackle and some poor defense allowed the Red Wolves to score a converted try just before the whistle to take a 7-3 lead to the break.
 
The second half was similar to the first with the Lions pushing scrums around, but Arkansas State controlled most of the lineouts.  Lindenwood seemed to be gaining an upper hand in most phases, but suffered from being down a player.
 
After they regained full strength, the Lions asserted their strength. Eight man Drake Humphrey had a day filled with punishing runs and was able to convert Lindenwood pressure into a try right under the posts. Botha converted and the Lions took a 10-7 lead. 
 
Both teams had chances later in the game, but could not score. Lindenwood reserves Jonah Dietenberger and De'Vonis Henderson helped seal the victory with tough defense.  Botha added another penalty kick to give the Lions their final margin. 
 
Lindenwood host the St. Louis Bombers February 15 beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Lindenwood Track.