Women's rugby earned a 41-15 win over the Life West rugby club Saturday afternoon in Moraga, California. The Gladiatrix have been a perineal power in the women's club sevens and 15's scene for several years and gave the Lions a close match three years ago. 
 
Lindenwood took a young squad to the west coast with a combined 11 freshman and sophomores getting playing time on the pitch, but still anchored by valuable senior experience. 
 
The first half started out close with both teams trading possession, but the Lions slowly pulled away for a 22-5 lead at halftime. Lindenwood displayed a deep bench full of closers to extend its advantage and close out the match in the second half.  
 
Head Coach Billy Nicholas appreciated the challenge from the Gladiatrix.
 
"The Life West team is always going to be a challenge and we knew they had a handful of athletes with the national team," he said. "We brought a younger squad and know it will help both programs as The Gladiatrix prep for the WPL and we prep for our playoff run, so we appreciate them hosting us this weekend. We had quite a few moments today that we will want to keep replicating moving forward, but when you get to play a team like Life West and get tested, they'll make you learn a few things about yourself and we are grateful for those lessons going into our match up next weekend as well." 
 
After improving to 3-0 on the spring campaign, the Lions travel west once again to face the Colorado Gray Wolves April 2. The opening kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Infinity Park Stadium in Glendale, Colorado.