Women's Rugby earned its third straight D1 Elite National Championship with a 54-12 victory over Life University Saturday night at Hunter Stadium in St. Charles, Missouri.

The numerous friends and family that were allowed to attend created an electric atmosphere for the contest and boosted the Lions into a quick lead in the first half.  Penina Tuilaepa score first for Lindenwood, setting a great tone for the day. Some great interplay from Selena Tuilaepa to Fane Haungatau put the second try on the board.  From there, the Lions continued to build confidence and any nerves they might have had from hosting the final at home began to wear off.  Lindenwood built a 29-5 advantage by the break.

In the opening moments of the second half, the Running Eagles scored in the corner after a few great phases of attack to make it 29-12, but the Lions quickly answered with two tries of their own to put the game out of reach.

Head Coach Billy Nicholas summed up the victory.

"We have a great group of seniors graduating, so it was an amazing way for many of them to go out on top in the XV's final," he said. "But they were supported by a full program effort with each person in our program contributing to the win.  From the camaraderie they have off the field, to the support they give each other while on it, you will always see them rooting for one another. They continue to strive to compete at our training sessions and it has been great to see them continue to grow in that daily environment."

Nicholas expressed great optimism for the future.

"One thing many of our matches showed us this year is that we have an excited group of players ready to take on the next challenge and find their niche and their team identity as they develop," he said.  That's what makes everyone look forward to what is next."

Fane Haungatau was named the Most Valuable Player in the championship match by Team USA Head Coach Rob Cain, who was in attendance.  

With the victory, the Lions wrapped up a sweep of Life University on the season, with two victories against the Running Eagles at home, combined with an earlier win on the road.  It was also the third straight win against Life University in the D1 Elite finals.

Coach Nicholas saluted his outgoing seniors one more time.

"Seeing the development of so many of our senior players into new positions on the pitch, and then being capped at the senior level and attending pathway camps has been a special honor," he said.  "But the most important thing is seeing them earn their college degrees while loving the experience of being a Lindenwood Lion.  They will all truly be missed."