Women's rugby was poised to claim the title game, but gave up a try in the waning moments to fall to Life University 17-14 at the College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) Women's Premier Sevens National Championship Sunday afternoon at Aveva Stadium in Houston, Texas.
 
After following their game plan and taking a lead late into the match, the Lions were pinned deep in their own end in extra time and yielded the winning score to the Running Eagles just before the final whistle. Amy Brice and Freda Tafuna posted outstanding performances over the whole weekend with multiple scores and try-saving tackles.
 
The march to the finals began in pool play Saturday morning with a convincing 38-5 victory over American International College. Lindenwood followed that up with a 54-0 shutout over Cal – Berkeley later in the day. Claire Ferguson was a key player in the contest with two tries and another 12 points on conversions. In the final pool play game, the Lions secured the top seed for the knockout stage with a 31-10 win over Sacred Heart.
 
The quarterfinal match with Penn State was the fourth game of the day for Lindenwood, but if there was any fatigue, it definitely did not show. The Lions scored early and continued to pile on points for a 43-0 victory over the Nittany Lions. Jet Metz was a key player on offense as she scored 16 to help Lindenwood advance to the semifinals against Dartmouth on Sunday morning.  
 
The break between games was welcome and needed as weather became a huge factor against the Big Green. As rain began to fall, the Lions had to keep composure and continue to drive forward. Kapoina Bailey was the first to put points on the board after a long and hard push-on attack. Lindenwood led 5-0, but Dartmouth managed to tie the contest. With the outcome still in doubt, Brice ended up having the final say as she scored what proved to be the winning try in a 10-5 win, setting up the finals match against Life.  
 
The loss to the Running Eagles was the first in a national championship final for the Lions in over four years and wrapped up the 2022-23 season.
 
Match Summary:
Lindenwood vs AIC 38-5
Lindenwood vs Cal-Berkley 54-0
Lindenwood vs Sacred Heart University 31-10
Lindenwood vs Penn State 43-0
Lindenwood vs Dartmouth 10-5
Lindenwood vs Life 14-17