After leading for most of the match, women's rugby was foiled by a Life University comeback in the final 15-minutes, falling 44-41 in the D1 Elite Championship Sunday evening at GCU Soccer Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Lions jumped in front of the Running Eagles with two tries from Freda Tafuna in the opening 14-minutes, and Amy Brice added to the lead a few minutes later. Life answered in the 24^th minute before Claire Ferguson dotted down, but the Running Eagles scored twice late in the opening half, cutting the Lindenwood advantage to just 22-19 at the break.

Things went back-and-forth in the opening moments of the second half with Tafuna scoring again, but Life answering three minutes later. Madison Jersey crossed into the try zone in the 53^rd minute, but the Running Eagles converted a penalty kick right after. Tafuna scored her fourth in the 62^nd minute, but unfortunately, that was the final try of the game for the Lions.
 
Life scored in the 65^th and 72^nd minute to tie the match, and then booted what proved to be the game-winning penalty kick in the 76^th minute.

In addition to scoring four times, Tafuna was the tone-setter on the weekend with stout defense. Senior Taina Tukuafu was also vital to the Lindenwood attack, demonstrating quick speed off of Running Eagles penalties.

With the loss, women's rugby finishes it's 15's season with a mark of 9-3 in collegiate competition. The Lions will switch gears to prepare for the CRAA Sevens National Championship May 3-4 at AVEVA Stadium in Houston, Texas.


Scoring Summary:
4' - Freda Tafuna
14' - Freda Tafuna
17' - Amy Brice
24' - Life Try
28' - Claire Ferguson
32' - Life Try
35' - Life Try
43' - Freda Tafuna
46' - Life Try
53' - Madison Jersey
56' - Life Penalty Conversion
62' - Freda Tafuna
65' - Life Try
72' - Life Try
76' - Life Penalty Conversion
Final: 41-44


Lineup:

1. Lali Lafitaga
2. Jadyn Collins
3. Jenalei Fifita
4. Amanda Ware
5. Annie Nauer
6. Ahnea Aupiu
7. Makena Taumoepeau
8. Freda Tafuna
9. Taina Tukuafu
10. Sophie O'Cain
11. Madison Jersey 
12. Jet Metz
13. Amy Brice 
14. Claire Ferguson
15. Demi Allen
16. Lucia Del Campo Andres
17. Jule-Dine Kawhaauhau
18. Gabby Bryant
19. Brianna Beath
20. Sam Ganoza
21. Meg Maiava
22. Makenna Bailey
23. Tanaka Kanyepi