Women's rugby earned a thrilling 24-14 victory over Life University in the first D1 Elite match of the season Saturday afternoon at Hunter Stadium in St. Charles, Missouri.

Lindenwood took an early lead off a counterattack by fullback Demi Allen. A few minutes later, the Lions increased their advantage with an attacking scrum that allowed winger Helen van Hattem to cross the line, but the Running Eagles executed a comeback and scored twice off of Lindenwood miscues to briefly move in front. As the game continued, the Lions changed momentum with strong defense from the entire team. Ultimately, that led to two more van Hattem scores to seal the win.

Earlier in the day, the Lindenwood and Life second sides matched up for another exciting contest. The Lions fell behind early after giving up a quick try to their rivals after a restart, but the early deficit galvanized the Lions and they were able to catch the Running Eagles and finish off a convincing 36-21 win in the last 79 minutes of game action.
 
With strong performances from returners Sydney Julich and Jacqueline Garro and newcomers Lily Robinson and Tanaka Kanyepi, Lindenwood executed well on both sides of the ball, but particularly on the attacking side.
 
Women's rugby will get a chance to savor the victories for a bit before traveling to the Northwest for two more collegiate D1 Elite match-ups October 22-23. The Lions face Central Washington University that Saturday at 12 p.m. at Tomlinson Stadium in Ellensburg, Washington, and then Seattle Pacific University that Sunday at 3 p.m. at Star Fire Sports Complex in Seattle, Washington.