Lindenwood recovered from a 14 point deficit in the first half to earn a 36-19 victory over Life University to repeat as USA Rugby Women's D1 Elite National Champions Sunday afternoon at  Steuber Rugby Stadium in Palo Alto, California.  In a rematch of last year's final, Teresa Bueso Gomez was named the Most Valuable Player for the championship.

Despite the 17 point margin of victory for the Lions, it was the Running Eagles that controlled the pace early, scoring a converted try just four minutes into the match, and following that up moments later with a sideline run that ended under the posts to make it 14-0, but Lindenwood outscored Life 36 to five from that point.

The comeback started somewhat innocuously after a Caring De Freitas scamper deep into Running Eagles territory.  The drive stalled, but a Life penalty resulted in a successful kick and three points on the board for the Lions in the 29^th minute.  It was not long before the Lindenwood offense was pushing forward again.  Mary Healy broke through the middle of the pitch which ultimately set up Sativa Tarau-Peehikuru for a run wide into the try zone to cut the Lions deficit to six.  Tarau-Peehikuru struck again just three minutes later and the Life lead was down to just one.  The Lions attack was humming and another push downfield resulted in a Running Eagles penalty.  McKenzie Hawkins booted the resulting kick to give Lindenwood its first lead at 16-14 heading to the break. 

Life took a yellow card early in the second half, but that didn't stop the short-handed Running Eagles.  They darted right down the pitch to retake the lead on an unconverted try.  The Lions responded quickly with a score from Nika Paogofie-Buyten to claim a 21-19 advantage and expanded it with a lunge over the line from De Freitas.  Life was still within striking distance, but couldn't capitalize, however Lindenwood faced a stiffening defense from the Running Eagles.  The Lions pressure finally forced a penalty in the 68^th minute and Hawkins slotted the kick for a 29-19 lead.  Life continued to push the attack, but the Lindenwood defense was up to the task, forcing a turnover.  Bueso Gomez scored in the 76^th minute to essentially seal the victory and allow the Lions to hoist the championship trophy for the second straight year.

With the 15's season concluded, women's rugby turns its attention to sevens.  Lindenwood travels to Gainesville, Florida for the Tropical Sevens tournament April 19-20.