Life University and Lindenwood University will meet in Saturday’s DI Elite National Championship final, having defeated Penn State and BYU, respectively, in Friday’s semifinals. The two finalists have met each other in 7s national finals but have never battled for a 15s national title.
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Life and Penn State kicked off the national semifinals, and the Running Eagles went to work quickly, but that vigor didn’t translate into points. Penn State fullback Tess Feury slotted a penalty after 10 minutes, and then No. 8 Maggie Carly broke off the weak side of an attacking scrum and timed a final pass to wing Sophie Pyrz for a try. A high tackle at the try line resulted in a penalty try and the conversion attempt was unnecessary, 10-0.
The Running Eagles kept their composure while a player down and didn’t sacrifice any points against. As the half neared, Life built some quick phases inside Penn State’s end, and outside center Kaitlyn Broughton finished off a hands-out in the try zone. Flyhalf Whitney Wilson slotted the conversion for the 10-7 scoreline.
As the teams continued to test each other, a quick series of kicks evolved around the 55-minute mark. Wilson cleanly fielded a Pyrz kick and smartly moved the ball across the pitch for a decisive counter-attack. Some fast-paced offloads down the sideline worked to wing Sydnee Cervinski, who scored the go-ahead points, 14-10 with Wilson’s conversion.
The second lead change occurred approximately 10 minutes later, as Penn State built into Life’s 22, and hooker Kira Garnett carried several would-be tacklers into the try zone. The Nittany Lions held the 15-14 lead until the 78th minute. During that time, Life had a little more lift in its attack, despite Broughton having to leave the pitch. After sustained pressure inside Penn State’s 22 meter, and after what seemed like 20 phases crashing at the line, Life drew a penalty in front of the posts. Wilson slotted the three points calmly, 17-15.
The restart didn’t go 10 meters and so Life took its time resetting for the 50-meter scrum. The ball came out a little untidy and Penn State scrumhalf Carly Waters, who was pretty punishing all game, forced a knock-on in the attempted outlet pass. The scrum reset with Penn State’s put-in. The Nittany Lions gave one last go, but the final ballcarrier was bundled into touch and the final whistle sounded, 17-15 to Life.
Lindenwood and BYU followed in their semifinal, and the Lions showcased their speed and connectivity early on. Flyhalf McKenzie Hawkins kicked the first of her three penalties after seven minutes, and then five minutes later, elusive fullback Caring De Freitas scored the game’s first try. Hawkins’ conversion gave Lindenwood a 10-0 lead after 15 minutes.
No. 8 Nika Paogofie-Buyten scored back-to-back tries. The first score came after a nice set of fast phases, and the loose forward stepped back inside once the defense loosened enough. After a furious short-side attack resulted in a recalled try (forward pass), the No. 8 made good on the five points a minute later. Hawkins’ conversions gave Lindenwood a 24-0 halftime lead.
After the break, Lindenwood inside center Veteronnica Tafito hit the gap for the team’s fourth and final try. The Lions continued to retain most of the possession and territory, and when BYU did get the ball, the Cougars couldn’t get into a rhythm and sustain momentum. Meanwhile, Hawkins added two more penalties to keep the score ticking over, 35-0.
As the game entered the final 15 minutes, BYU did get some more opportunities with ball in hand, and freshman outside center Kat Stowers stiff-armed the defense en route to a centered try that Emily McFadyen converted, 35-7.
The DI Elite National Championship final between Life and Lindenwood kicks off at 5:45 p.m. PDT.
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