Women's rugby defeated Life University 19-7 Sunday night in New Orleans, Louisiana to win a fourth straight CRC March Madness Sevens title. In doing so, Lindenwood completed a triple crown of championships this spring, having already won the Collegiate Rugby Association of America (CRAA) Women's D1 Elite 15's title and the USA Rugby Collegiate Sevens title.

 
The Lions and Running Eagles not only arrived at the championship game undefeated, but neither had given up a single point in the previous three games at the event, so something had to give. It looked like it might be Lindenwood as Life controlled most of the possession the first two minutes. The Running Eagles eventually broke free along the right side after a quick tap and go. The Lions stopped them, but were called for a high tackle and given a yellow card. With a two-minute power play, Life was able to control the ball and managed to drive to just short of the try line, but the Running Eagles turned it over. Lindenwood then drove the length of the pitch short-handed, aided by two long runs, the last coming from Helen van Hattem, who dotted down just to the right of the posts. The try was converted giving the Lions a 7-0 lead with about 90-seconds remaining in the first half.
 
Life took the ensuing kickoff and drove to midfield, but Lindenwood counter-rucked and drove back the other way for a try left of the posts that was converted for a 14-0 advantage at the break.
 
The Running Eagles had the first possession of the second half and started moving up the field, but they were forced to the touch line and turned it over. The Lions quickly countered as Kapoina Bailey fed Demi Allen who darted forward and then cut back to the left into open space and into the try zone to put Lindenwood ahead 19-0 just 90-seconds into the half.
 
The next few minutes featured multiple drives from both teams, but they all ended in turnovers. With about two minutes remaining, the Lions brought in several "finishers" to put some fresh legs on the pitch, but another yellow card left Lindenwood short-handed again. Life pushed the ball deep into Lions territory and ultimately was rewarded with a penalty try with no time left on the clock. The conversation gave the Running Eagles seven points, but the outcome was decided with a Lions title.

 

Sativa Tarau-Peehikuru and Demi Allen were named Co-Most Valuable Players at the championship and Tarau-Peehikuru, Eti Haungatau, and Amy Brice were selected to the Top Seven Tournament Dream Team.  
 
Lindenwood advanced to the title match with a convincing 27-0 win over rival Penn State earlier on Sunday. The two teams played a competitive first half, but as the game continued, the Lions took over and raced away from the Nittany Lions. The Lindenwood Lions started the tournament with two shutouts on Saturday, stopping Boise State 38-0 in the opening round and then adding a 31-0 victory over Notre Dame College in the quarterfinals.
 
Head Coach Billy Nicholas reflected on the season.
 
"Speaking from experience, this team has overcome a lot of adversity over the course of the year and it hasn't been an easy ride by any means, but with our growth-minded focus, we stayed patient and took things day by day and ended up with the results we were hoping for'," he said. "The seniors went out with the perfect season, a feat that is ever elusive in any sport, and for everyone else in the program here, it was an incredible experience to be a part of. I'm very proud of the team and coaching staff, not just for the results, but for their drive to continue to want to be better and grow alongside one another.  It's truly a special thing to be a part of and I'm grateful for that'." 
 
The Lions completed the 2021-22 season undefeated in both 15's and sevens play, continuing a regular season streak that began several years ago. Women's rugby has now won national titles in 11 straight championships in which the team competed. With the 2022 "triple crown," the Lions have now accomplished that feat in three different seasons.