Women's rugby advanced to the D1 Elite Championship with a 75-12 win over Brigham Young University Saturday morning at Hunter Stadium in St. Charles, Missouri.
 
After completing conference play with a 6-1 mark, the only loss coming against Life University, the Lions started quickly against the Cougars and never looked back. Within the first 10 minutes, Lindenwood scored three tries. Over the course of the match, Freda Tafuna led the Lions with four trips into the zone, while Claire Ferguson and Amy Brice each scored twice.
 
Taina Tukuafu led off the second half with a 50-meter dash and then the reserves took over with Makena Taumoepeau, Ava Denner, and Lucia Del Campo Andres touching down.

Despite the ultimate outcome, there were some BYU highlights as the Cougars did get a couple tries due to some defensive breakdowns from Lindenwood.

Head Coach Trevor Locke was still pleased with the effort.
 
"Our team played well on the weekend. We were excited to get back out and build off the season we've had so far," he said. "We are working to something much bigger, and this team understands where we are and where we need to be."

With the semifinal victory, the Lions will now play for the D1 Elite national title against Life University April 14. The opening kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Phoenix, Arizona. Lindenwood will get a warm-up game the weekend before against Chicago North Shore. The start of that match is set for 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon at Hunter Stadium.
 
 
Scoring Summary:
2' Lindenwood Try - Freda Tafuna 
4' Lindenwood Try - Madison Jersey
9' Lindenwood Try - Claire Ferguson
15' Lindenwood Try - Freda Tafuna
19' Lindenwood Try - Amy Brice
28' Lindenwood Try - Freda Tafuna
34' BYU Try
47' Lindenwood Try - Taina Tukuafu
51' BYU Try
59' Lindenwood Try - Amy Brice
65' Lindenwood Try - Claire Ferguson
70' Lindenwood Try - Lucia Del Campo Andres 
74' Lindenwood Try - Makena Taumoepeau
77' Lindenwood Try - Ava Denner
80' Lindenwood Try - Freda Tafuna



Lineup:
 

1. Lali Lafitaga*
2. Jadyn Collins
3. Jenalei Fifita
4. Amanda Ware*
5. Brianna Beath
6. Ahnea Aupiu*
7. Aifili Tuitau
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. Millie Gibson
17. Jule-Dine Kawhaauhau
18. Gabby Bryant
19. Lucia Del Campo Andres
20. Makena Taumoepeau
21. Meg Maiava
22. Ava Denner*
23. Tanaka Kanyepi