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Lions Shut Out LVI Field

  • 05 Mar 2018
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Lindenwood University wanted to challenge itself at the Las Vegas Invitational and entered the Women’s Open 7s. The Lions made quite the statement, shutting out all five opponents and averaging seven converted tries per game.

“It’s always tough trying to gauge the level of competition for the LVI 7s at any of the three levels, especially based on team names, so we didn’t have a clue what to expect, which was what we wanted – the unknown,” Lindenwood coach Billy Nicholas explained. “We figured it would be good to play in the women’s bracket and we would be challenged a bit more in the contact area, and we were.”

McKenzie Hawkins and AnnaKaren Pedraza served as co-captains during the multi-day tournament, and led a diverse team that included international players through freshmen. Day one saw wins against Iosepa (41-0), South Sound (43-0) and Carolinas GU All-Stars (24-0). On day two, Lindenwood defeated Rogue Samurai 40-0 and Iosepa again 25-0 in the final.

“They are tenacious at the tackle and breakdown, and I think that is across the board. … All 12 we brought this weekend did their part and it was exciting to watch,” Nicholas reflected on the defensive effort. “No matter what bracket you’re in, having the team go undefeated and not concede a point in 7s is always a big accomplishment. I’m proud of them. Most of them didn’t even realize [the shutout streak] until it was announced after the final.”

The LVI marked the program’s second outing of 2018, and second 7s fixture of the season. The Lions will continue to alternate between 7s and 15s games and tournaments this spring, as the DI Elite National Championship is a mere two weeks prior to the College 7s National Championship. The LVI served as a good baseline from which the 7s team will build this spring.

“The team played great and had some serious flashes of brilliance out there and learned some things to tweak and work on along the way as well,” Nicholas added. “Looking back I think we would have gotten some lessons this week no matter who we played. We played in the Elite Women’s bracket at the New York 7s and might do that for LVI next year depending on how the team is looking.”

LINDENWOOD @ LVI 7s

Barlow, Kodi – Freshman

Bueso-Gomez, Teresa – Sophomore

De Freitas, Caring – Sophomore

Gold, Meg – Freshman

Hawkins, McKenzie – Junior

Karl, Casey – Junior

Lewis, Ariana – Senior

Paogofie-Buyten, Nika – Sophomore

Pedraza, Annakaren – Junior

Tafito, Veteronnica – Freshman

Tarau-Peehikuru, Sativa – Freshman

Taufa, Joyce – Sophomore

Lindenwood LVI

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