Lindenwood University fielded a familiar roster for its DIA varsity match against Life University last Saturday. Even those players who were debuting for the Lions were known entities, and it was a joy watching them integrate into the collegiate game. Senior Sativa Tarau-Peehikuru is the captain during this temperamental but existent season, and the senior was pleased with the outcome of the season-opener.
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“There was a really good vibe leading into it,” Tarau-Peehikuru said. “We have a lot of seniors who just played their first last game with us, so we were really excited but also had a little bit of nerves.”
Lindenwood has its largest graduating class (17), which includes a 7s Olympian, 15s Eagles, USA age-grade reps and a Venezuela national team player. Tarau-Peehikuru is one of several seniors who will return to St. Charles, Mo., for a fifth year of eligibility.
Nina Tuilaepa (l) with Destiny Arena in support / Photo: Jackie Finlan / TRB
“For the first game we wanted to work our structure,” the outside center said of season-opener goals. “We do have a lot of the same girls from last year, but some were playing in different positions. And we had a few freshmen start with us. We also wanted to utilize our width – our backs have great hands – and focus on our launch on defense.”
The varsity match started well, as the home team scored less than a minute after kickoff. But as expected, Life responded and began exposing some weaknesses in the Lions’ game.
“One thing about playing Life, it’s always special because we know they’ll come with a challenge – especially in the breakdown,” Tarau-Peehikuru said. “Every match is going to be tough opposition.
“I definitely think our communication on the field could be better,” the captain reviewed. “There were a few times when a big miscommunication led – I don’t want to say that we gave Life their tries, but it led to their breakaways and things like that. And we need to clean up our tackles as well. We were hesitant at times and that just comes with practice.”
Lindenwood and Life were tied 10-10 in the first quarter, as the Lions put Eti Haungatau away for a try and vice captain Natalie Gray kicked a penalty. Life dotted down tries through No. 8 Kate Buzby and flanker Saher Hamdan. Every time Life scored, Lindenwood responded immediately.
“I would love to say it’s incidental,” Tarau-Peehikuru said of the team’s reaction to being scored upon, “but when a team like Life puts a try on you, you have to return the score, because you know your lead won’t last long.”
Lindenwood added tries from Morgan Freeman and Caring De Freitas to close the first half, and Gray’s conversion gave the home side a 22-10 lead into the break.
“After the first 40 minutes, I think Life came away with it a bit,” Tarau-Peehikuru assessed. “We did have areas that we struggled with and it was about getting those niggles out. Our defense in the first half should have been tighter so we had to figure that out. And we talked about utilizing our backs more, but Life really did put up good defense on us.”
Tarau-Peehikuru was happy with the second-half adjustments. The defense stiffened and held Life to one second-half try from Adrionna Duncan. Better lineouts set a nice platform for the Lions’ backs to showcase some nice set plays, and the team added tries from De Freitas, Moira Dillow and Taina Scott for a 39-17 win.
As for notable performances, Tarau-Peehikuru acknowledged a few teammates.
“We did have Eti in our lineup in the backs,” the captain called out the 7s and 15s Eagle playing her first year of collegiate rugby. “She had a stellar performance – great carries and offloads and decent tackles. [Freshman flanker] Ahnea Aupiu started, too, and those two were particularly great. And I have to give a shoutout to our fullback, Caring [De Freitas]. She made some great tackles and saved two tries.”
Caring De Freitas / Photo: Jackie Finlan / TRB
Tarau-Peehikuru was pleased that the team really worked its options during the game, and that range meant Lindenwood was tough to predict. Expect more surprises in future matches.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing how Billy [Nicholas] switches up the lineup,” Tarau-Peehikuru said. “He’s talked about wanting to do that. We do have a deep roster and a bunch of girls with talent on the team, so I would love to see what they can do.”
Tarau-Peehikuru indicated that the squad is happy with Saturday’s result, but the competitive program is always looking to learn, work and improve. The Lions will have that opportunity on March 6, when the JV and varsity squads head to Marietta, Ga., for the rematch. In between, BYU and Central Washington will play on Feb. 27, lending another look at what the DIA holds this year.