Lindenwood claimed its third straight title with a 36-0 win over American International College (AIC) at the 2019 USA Rugby Men's D1A Collegiate Sevens National Championship Saturday at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona.

The Lions scored twice in the first minute, with Wesley White dotting down for both tries, to build a quick 12-0 advantage, which extended to 29-0 by halftime.  With the comfortable margin, Lindenwood was able to keep the Yellow Jackets at bay in the second half, adding a try in the final minute to secure the victory and trophy. 

White finished with four tries and 20 points to lead the Lions.  Marnus Spangenberg and Sam Chapman each scored once and Cristian Rodriguez booted three conversions for six points.

Lindenwood advanced to the Cup Final with a crucial come-from-behind victory over Central Washington in the semis.  The Wildcats jumped ahead of the Lions with a pair of tries and conversions to lead 14-0 in the first five minutes, but Lindenwood stemmed the tide a minute later when Evan Williams crossed the line to cut the deficit to 14-5 going into the break.  The Lions carried momentum into the second half and turned it into a score from White in the ninth minute, but still trailed by four.  Central Washington held Lindenwood for the next few minutes, but a yellow card on a Wildcat player proved to be a turning point.  The Lions took advantage a minute later on a Connor Burns run and with a Rodriguez conversion, gained a 17-14 lead.  Some important substitutions put fresh bodies on the pitch for Lindenwood and the Lions controlled the final two minutes to take the win.

Lindenwood began the knock-out stage with a 22-7 victory over Ohio State.  A yellow card against the Buckeyes led to the first score from Michael de Waal in the fifth minute.  Jack Desmond added a try a minute later and the Lions led 10-0 at halftime.  Chapman gave Lindenwood a 15-0 advantage in the 12^th minute, but Ohio State answered with a converted try seconds later.  However, that would be as close as the Buckeyes would get.  White sealed the win in the 13^th minute with Richard Felton slotting the conversion for the final margin.

The Lions posted a perfect 3-0 record in Pool A on Friday, beginning with a 12-5 victory over USC.  Felton scored a pair of tries and Williams booted a conversion for the Lindenwood points in the contest.  The Lions followed with a 42-0 shutout over Indiana.  Reece Botha scored twice for Lindenwood, with Tyren Al-Jiboori, White, Nick Taylor, and Spangenberg each dotting down once.  Rodriguez slotted five conversions while Felton booted one.  The Lions wrapped up pool play with a 47-7 win against AIC.  Rodriguez and Spangenberg each scored twice while Al-Jiboori, Williams, and Chapman each scored once.  Williams also booted five conversions with Botha kicking one. 

With the six wins, Lindenwood improved to 26-5 overall on the season.  The Lions will try to defend their national title at the Collegiate Rugby Championships (CRC 7's) next weekend.  Competition begins June 1 at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, Pennsylvania.