After defeating Life University in fifteens rugby for the first time a weekend prior at home, the Lions earned their second straight win over the Running Eagles 51-0 on the road Saturday in Marietta, Georgia.  

Lindenwood started quickly in the match when Richelle Stephens found space behind the Life defensive line and kicked through for a big chase to winger Demi Allen who went in for a try.  During the chase, the Lions earned a penalty try as the defender played the person and not the ball.   Lindenwood continued to control both sides of the ball and finished the first half with a 22-0 advantage.  

The Lions scored quickly in the second half as well.  Fane Haungatau turned over possession for Lindenwood as the ball was worked out to the edge and carried across the try line.  The Lions added 29 unanswered points for the final margin.   

Head Coach Billy Nicholas assessed the important win.

"We had really good conversation this week with them about taking what we learned from match one and adjusting and applying it to execute even better in match two, and they did a great job at that," he said. "We were able to put together quite a few phases and stayed patient in the attack, and defensively, we put some good pressure on Life throughout the day that led to some turnovers. The team will enjoy the result from today, but then look forward to a new opponent soon.  This is a special group of players and you can really see the chemistry continuing to build."

Prior to the first XV match, the second XV squads faced off against each other again.  After a 24-15 Lindenwood victory last weekend, the Lions found it tough to get consecutive phase play going against the Running Eagles in the first half on Saturday.  A strong defensive effort kept the Lions close and they only trailed 5-0 at the break, but Life pulled away in the second half while Lindenwood only managed one try from number eight Emily Morris.  

Coach Nicholas took some positives from the effort.

"We had a handful of new players earn the Lions jersey for the first time," he said. "You combine that with a ton of tactical lessons they can take away and there is still a ton of room for growth. I'm excited to see that continue."

After a weekend off, women's rugby will travel to Ellensburg, Washington to face Central Washington University University March 20.