Life’s Alex Sedrick /// Photo: Meredith Nelson, MEAN Photography
The Life University vs. Lindenwood University rivalry renews itself in the DI Elite National Championship semifinals, as both sides exited the first two rounds of playoffs with convincing wins. The Running Eagles hosted the southeast pool and outscored opponents 215-10, and the Lions went 198-7 in Palo Alto, Calif.
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Life kicked off its post-season against North Carolina, which filled in for the absent University of Florida in the DI Spring Round of 16. The Georgia school made execution a focus, and there was only one handling error in the backs during the 137-5 win.
Chou used the opportunity to work the team’s depth in the forwards and praised the work of freshman Jade Garcia, who made good use of the extra minutes and proved herself a solid contributor. For the backs, the Saturday match was an opportunity to build more chemistry, and that unit is really starting to hit stride.
“All year we’ve been alternating between flyhalfs, but of late, Whitney Wilson has really stepped up and decided that this is the position for her,” Chou said. “She’s been exceptional this spring, and I’ve seen quite a bit of growth and confidence in her. Previously she wasn’t certain that this was a challenge that she wanted to take on, but now she wants to work hard and master this position.”
Life watched Central Florida take down UVA 48-20 in the other Spring Round of 16 match.
“We’re familiar with them but they looked more physical and faster and fitter than we’ve seen in the past,” Chou said. “Not only do they have size but they know how to use it. I noted how much they use their leg drive in contact, and we definitely hadn’t seen a lot of college teams with that much tenacity in contact. … Good speed, too. Some of the UVA backs tried to round the corner at times, but UCF had great coverage outside.”
To help contend with the size mismatch, Life committed to double-tackles, especially in the pack. On offense, after a 10-minute adjustment period, the team tightened up its running lines and was smarter in the offload. Freshman outside center Alex Sedrick scored four first-half tries and was one of seven try-scorers for Life, while scrumhalf Madison Ohmann slotted all but one conversion in the 78-5 win. Courtney Kuehl accounted for UCF’s score.
Life’s Kaitlyn Broughton /// Photo: Meredith Nelson, MEAN Photography
The two wins now place Life in the DI Elite final four, while UCF moves into the DI Spring final four. Lindenwood awaits.
“They are a great opponent and always pushing us to get better,” Chou said of the Lions. “We know we have a very difficult road ahead and that we have to be prepared and technically sound and for this challenge in the semifinals.”
Lindenwood had an equally big weekend in California and started its post-season with a 95-7 win over Washington State. The Lions played a fast, hard game that got to top speed quickly and saw nine players score tries on Saturday. Freshman prop Isabel Manu was a highlight, scoring a try in each half, the latter of which was a breakaway score from midfield. Fullback Caring De Freitas was one of many dangerous ballcarriers and connected well with teammates.
Lindenwood’s Aumua vs. WSU’s Drllevich /// Photo: Jackie Finlan
“That match in general was just new for us,” Lindenwood coach Billy Nicholas said. “Players had to analyze what Washington State was doing on offense, on defense, at the breakdowns, and had those continual conversations throughout the game about what we were going to do and how we were going to do it best. Overall it was a fun challenge to go out there and figure out a new opponent.”
On the other side of the bracket, host Stanford defeated Arizona 68-15 and saw Madda Wilson, Kathryn Treder, Olivia Bernadel-Huey and Lex Schoenberg put in multi-try performances. But Lindenwood was too formidable in the quarterfinals and outpaced the Cardinal 103-0 on Sunday.
Lindenwood was able to work all 23 players into both games, and it’s important to note that several players who will feature in the final four weekend were either absent or played back-up roles in Palo Alto.
“We worked really hard to get our varsity and JV sides matches this year,” Nicholas explained. “That was my challenge this year – people have to be ready to step up and fill those [varsity] positions. And they’ve proved that they can throughout the year. Our JV side hasn’t lost a game in three years. I think the ability of players to step up and make a difference out here – especially on a Sweet 16/Elite 8 weekend – is important for us to grow.”
Life and Lindenwood will contest their DI Elite National Championship semifinal on Friday, May 5 at 4 p.m. Eastern. Penn State and BYU play at 2 p.m., and the final will occur Saturday at 5:30 p.m. All games will be broadcast live on The Rugby Channel.
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