Lindenwood finished first and third.
Lindenwood University enjoyed a successful weekend at the Life University 7s, a qualifier for the USA Rugby College 7s National Championship. Sending two teams to Marietta, Ga., Lindenwood Black defeated Life Yellow 26-14 in the final, and Lindenwood Gold defeated UVA 26-14 for Bronze.
RELATED: USA Rugby College 7s Championship • Women’s Rugby Results: April 8-9 • Life University 7s Results
First15 Sport Performance produced the 12-team tournament at Lupo Family Field, and saw the DI Elite teams joined by nationals veterans UVA and James Madison, as well as local talent from Georgia and Tennessee. On Saturday, Life Yellow, the Running Eagles’ first side, won Pool A 212-0; Lindenwood Black won Pool B 179-0; and UVA took Pool C 85-32. A great game between UVA and Lindenwood Gold evolved in the final round of pool play – 24-20 to UVA – and the rematch would replay in the third-place match.
“For our Gold team we set goals to go out and learn our system and play together as a team,” Lindenwood Gold captain Morgan Courtney explained. “We did a lot of learning this weekend and we had some great wins as well against very competitive teams.”
On day two, the higher-ranked teams advanced through the Cup quarterfinals. Life Yellow bested Lindenwood Gold 17-10 in the semifinals, while Lindenwood Black topped UVA 20-0 for the final’s berth.
The final game of the day was everything one hopes for in a title match. Long, connecting passes; line-breaks and chase-down tackles; confidence and skill. The home side took the first lead, as Kaitlyn Broughton turned over a mid-field ball that moved to Alex Sedrick on the wing for the converted try. Lindenwood answered with two scores before the break, the second coming after a yellow card advantage. Broughton and McKenzie Hawkins exchanged scores in the second half (19-14 to Lindenwood Black) before USA Eagle scrumhalf Annakaren Pedraza dotted down the second of her two championship tries. With Hawkins’ conversions, the Lions triumphed 26-14.
“I thought this weekend was very productive for our team,” Lindenwood Black captain Hawkins reflected. “Our main focus has been 15s. It showcased a lot of new players’ raw talents and what each person can bring. Everyone from Lindenwood won this weekend, it was a program win, it’s a testament to the level of teamwork, grit and family we share across the team. I’m so happy to be a part of this program.”
Meanwhile, Lindenwood Gold defeated UVA 26-14 for third. For all of the results, visit First15 Sports’ live scoring document. Coupled with Katie Wurst on the live feed, the tournament was a truly professional event that showcased top-level talent.
“It’s something special when you have both of your squads in Cup semifinals match-ups and finishing with Gold and Bronze,” Lindenwood coach Billy Nicholas enthused. “Our whole program at a 15s and 7s level push one another to be better, and I think that’s one thing that sets us apart. We will be putting 7s to the side for now and refocus back on our 15s lead-up to playoffs, but no doubt we are just cracking the potential this team has in this code of the game as well.”
This year’s USA Rugby College 7s National Championship will feature one 12-team competition open to all teams, regardless of division. The Life University 7s featured four DI teams that have competed at nationals, so it will be interesting to see how seeds awarded. Stay up-to-date via USA Rugby’s College 7s site: http://usacollege7s.com.