The Lions jumped in front and never looked back as they earned an impressive 97-0 shutout over the University of Wisconsin in the round of 16 of the D1A Playoffs Saturday afternoon at the Wisconsin Rugby Club Sports Complex in Madison, Wisconsin. 

Coming off of a three-week competition break, Lindenwood committed to a simple game plan of using basic patterns of offense to build pressure, and it worked to perfection.  In the opening moments of the game, Kayleb O'Donoghue, Cristian Rodriguez, and Ayden Hurst led the charge as all three dotted down.  Reece Botha converted the three tries for a quick 21-0 lead. 

Emmanuel Albert played a solid match, making the gain line on every carry while also posting an outstanding effort on defense.  Wesley White was also in the mix, leading from the front and scoring his first try of the contest. 

When the first half concluded, the Lions held a 47-0 advantage.  Head Coach Josh Macy encouraged his team to keep doing the same things that had been successful in the second half and that is what happened.  Albert and Joshua Wells were able to keep the scoreboard ticking and the second half quickly resembled the first.

Reserve forwards Gabriel Kettering, Wesley Parker, and Colten Hernandez lifted the energy when they entered the game, and both Parker and Hernandez scored for Lindenwood.  Lorenzo Thomas, in his first start of the spring, dazzled defenders with his explosive running lines. Thomas scored his second try in the second half with another conversion from Botha, who successfully booted 11 of 15 on the day.  With a try of his own, he finished with a 27-point effort.   

With the victory, the Lions advanced to the East bracket semifinals and the quarterfinals of the championship overall.  They will travel to Annapolis, Maryland to face Arkansas State on April 20.  The Red Wolves dispatched Army to move forward.  A good match is expected as Lindenwood is ranked No. 5 nationally and Arkansas State is ranked No. 6.  A start time is to be determined.