Women's rugby defeated Chicago North Shore by a combined score of 57-0 on the road Saturday morning. It was the first XV's match for the Lions since early November and for North Shore, it was one of the first opportunities to get outside after the winter. Instead of a regularly timed game, the two squads played three separate 20-minute blocks, which gave the Lions a great opportunity to provide some game experience across the entire roster.
 
Lindenwood jumped into the lead early on a try from Taina Tukuafu after she sniped space around the breakdown. Freda Tafuna booted the conversion to make it 7-0 Lions. Later in the first block, Demi Allen and Eti Haungatau added tries and Tafuna concluded a perfect 3/3 stretch on conversions to give Lindenwood a 21-0 advantage.  
 
In block two, the Lions continued to hold North Shore off the board with scores from Salote Iongi, Charity Tenney, and Kat Murrell. With an additional conversion from Tafuna, the Lindenwood led 17-0. 
 
Another set of Lions crossed the try line in block three, with scores from Helen Van Hattem, Jadyn Collins and a second on the day for Salote Iongi. Punipuao Skipps added four points from conversions for a 19-0 advantage. 
 
Moira Dillow, one of the senior captains for the day, reflected on the match.

"It was exciting to see the foundation we have created for the upcoming season," she said. "It gave us a great look on where we are excelling and where we need to continue to tweak and improve." 
 
Head Coach Billy Nicholas, back after a medical absence in the fall, appreciated the opportunity to compete.

"It was great to get the winter rust off and get a chance to compete with North Shore," he began. "We know it's very early in both of our seasons, but we appreciate them fitting us into their schedule as they prepare for WPL. The match gave us some important film to review so we can continue to strive towards our full potential in April. One match at a time, this team is going to keep progressing."
 
Women's rugby is scheduled to travel back to Chicago to face the Chicago Lions March 19, followed by a match against Life West March 26 in Hayward, California. The opening kickoffs are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday both afternoons.
 
Lindenwood vs. North Shore Score Summary: 
Block 1:  21-0 Lindenwood
Block 2:  17-0 Lindenwood
Block 3:  19-0 Lindenwood 
Total Score 57-0