Women's rugby defeated Brigham Young University (BYU) 74-7 in a national semifinal Saturday evening at Hunter Stadium in St. Charles, Missouri. It was the second meeting with the Cougars after they won an earlier matchup in Utah earlier in the semester.
The Lions scored the first 19 points on a day that the team honored 11 seniors. BYU scored its only points of the match on a try and conversion, but then Lindenwood finished with the final 55 points, led by
Kapoina Bailey who scored three tries on the day.
Natalie Gray booted seven conversions for 14 points. The victory propelled the Lions into the D1 Elite National Championship game.
Lindenwood will host a rugby national championship for the first time in program history, and it will be against a familiar opponent. Life University won the other semifinal against Central Washington University to advance to the finals. The Lions defeated the Running Eagles twice earlier this season, taking a 39-17 win at home in late February, then shutting out Life 51-0 in Marietta, Georgia.
The women's D1 Elite National Championship match between Lindenwood and Life is scheduled for May 1 at 7 p.m. at Hunter Stadium in St. Charles, Missouri.
Earlier on Saturday, the Lions second XV stopped Palmer 55-19.
Head Coach
Billy Nicholas assessed the upcoming championship.
"We are excited to host the national final. It's going to be a competitive match and we look forward to the challenge," he said. "It was a great day for our seniors today as we honored the 11 that are graduating. Also, it was great seeing the first match go really well with a 55-19 win over Palmer."
Score Summary: Lindenwood over BYU Cougars 74-7
Women's Rugby Seniors Honored
Richelle Stephens - 5
Eti Haungatau - 5
Natalie Gray - 2
Kapoina Bailey - 5
Natalie Gray - 2
BYU scored a try and conversion.
Caring De Freitas - 5
Natalie Gray - 2
Kapoina Bailey - 5
Natalie Gray - 2
Kapoina Bailey - 5
Natalie Gray - 2
Richelle Stephens - 5
Bri Vasquez - 5
Natalie Gray - 2
Manaia Moala - 5
Moira Dillow - 5
Bri Vasquez - 5
Meg Gold - 5
Natalie Gray - 2
Women's Rugby Second XV Squad vs. Palmer
