ST. CHARLES, Mo. - Behind three Tries by Freda Tafuna, Lindenwood defeated Central Washington by a score of 29-5 in the USA Rugby D1 Elite National Semifinal game on Saturday. The win propels the Lions to the D1 Elite National Championship game for the seventh consecutive time. 

It was a tightly contested as the Lions held a 10-0 edge at halftime behind tries from Jasmine Fehoko (18') and Tafuna (34').  Then Tafuna, the defending MA Sorensen Award winner for the nations top collegiate women's rugby player, rattled off back to back tries at the 47 minute and 50 minute marks of the game to create some separation from the Wildcats.  Central Washington was able to get a try of their own at the 56 minute mark before Amy Brice closed out the Lindenwood scoring with a try at the 60 minute mark. Lindenwood was successful in two of their conversions on the day.

"it was a hard fought match against a tough team,:" said Lindenwood head coach Trevor Locke. "Central Washington made us earn everything today like they always do. Looking forward, we have a short turnaround into the Finals next weekend, so we will need to get physically and mentally prepared in short order. But great to be able to compete in the final, the team and staff are very much looking forward to our last go in the CRAA D1A championship"

The Lions will face the winner of the Life vs BYU matchup in the D1 Elite National Championship game on Saturday, April 19 in California.