Lindenwood University and Life University are set for another title round in the Women’s D1 Elite National Championship game for the third consecutive time, barring last year’s cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Running Eagles take flight this Saturday, May 1, at 8pm ET to Saint Charles, MO to face-off with the Lions on their home turf, live on FTFNext.com. Both teams look forward to Saturday after having advanced through Life’s exciting victory against Central Washington, 29-20, and Lindenwood’s 74-7 triumph over Brigham Young University in the semifinals.
Both teams, having appeared in the most recent championships, Life for the past two and Lindenwood the past three, are no stranger to the pressures of trying to win the last game of the season. Further elevating the stakes is Lindenwood’s two victories over Life just this season, where the two programs are well familiar with each other’s style of play, leading to a well anticipated championship rematch.
After unruffling their feathers, the Running Eagles have gotten back to work training for an upset this weekend. Head Coach, Rosalind Chou, says that besides working on placement of kicks and physicality in contact, “More than anything, our team needs to continue building the culture they've been working so hard on cultivating through such a difficult year, supporting and picking each other up, on and off the field.”.
Chou added, “Last March, we were riding high in top form and like the whole world, we were put on an indefinite pause and those seniors from last year couldn't complete their season. The team took it in stride and adapted to the ever-changing landscape managing COVID-19.” Despite the rocky terrain, Chou also expressed that, “It's a huge win for our D1 Elite teams to have played rugby this spring and to make it through the season to this culminating championship game. We could not be more appreciative to have this moment together after everything we've all been through this past year.”.
Now, excitement is high just before the long-awaited championship after last years missed final, particularly for the seniors who are graduating and looking to leave it all out on the pitch this Saturday. Head Coach of the Lions, Billy Nicholas, says, “We recognize due to geographic areas and particular University guidelines, that it's a rare privilege to play in a championship match, that's not lost on us and we are grateful for it.”
According to Nicholas, Lindenwood’s payers have been focusing on their mindset coming out of the semifinal win over BYU, “It's a sentiment that we have echoed all year, focus on ourselves and playing to our potential, play our best match. We like to emphasize the process, and the ability to 'win the day', let the outcome take care of itself.”
Both squads will field top talent this weekend, including five MA Sorensen Award Nominees in Susan Adegoke, Caring De Freitas, Saher Hamdan, Richelle Stephens and McKenna Strong. USA Women's Eagles Head Coach Rob Cain will additionally be in attendance for the final, scouting both current and future national team players.
After this unique season, both coaches expressed gratitude to families of players, coaches, athletic trainers, administrative staff and university athletic departments. Chou noted, “We are supported not only by those in the rugby program, but the entire Athletics Department, the whole university, and the rugby community in the greater Atlanta area. We've been so lucky to have coaching support from the men's program, Rugby ATL, and have had players and alumni from the women's and men's side coming out to chip in and make our season the best it can be.'
Nicholas similarly recognized coaching staff and athletic departments while also adding the positive of, “Having our highest number of matches streamed for free on FTFNext this season, so more and more youth rugby players can see college players compete and give them a goal for their futures, has been a highlight as well.”
This final showdown could be the underdog victory we all know and love or one last match for Lindenwood to substantiate the #1 ranking they have held all season. Find out who will secure the 2021 National Championship this Saturday, May 1, at 8pm ET LIVE for free at FTFNext.com.
