The Lindenwood Women's Rugby team (3-1, 1-1 NIRA) came up just short for the first time this season on Friday afternoon, falling on the road to Navy by a final score of 18-15. 

Each team scored once in the opening 40 minutes, with Navy striking first in the 19th minute to take a 5-0 lead. He'Lena Dou'Ble responded for the Lions in the 35th minute, finding the try zone to even the match at 5-5 heading into halftime as both teams played strong defense throughout the opening half.

In the second half, Navy scored the first two tries of the half in the 51st and 56th minutes to regain the lead at 15-5. Lille Merlow answered in the 63rd minute with a try to cut the deficit to five, but the Midshipmen added three points on a penalty kick in the 67th minute to extend their lead to 18-10.

The Lions continued to battle, as Ella Elordi recorded her first try of the season in the 71st minute to bring Lindenwood within three at 18-15. Lindenwood created several scoring opportunities late in the match but could not find the go-ahead try, as Navy held on for the victory. Dou'Ble, Merlow, and Elordi all scored their first tries of the season in the contest for the Lions.

Lindenwood will wrap up their road trip on Sunday morning against Brown University in Maryland. Kickoff is scheduled for 10 a.m. CT.