It really was a new-look Lindenwood that took on Northern Iowa in a DI non-conference match today, and the Lady Lions controlled the match from start to end, writing a 132-0 victory into the books. The Missouri team then added a 55-0 shutout in the B side match.

“As far as our massive win today, I believe that the ‘team first’ culture that coach Billy [Nicholas] has incorporated upon his arrival here at Lindenwood has a huge impact on our wins and losses,” captain Amanda Divich said of the second-year coach. “When we play as a team and not individuals, we truly shine.

“Apart from that, I believe that our fitness and chemistry played big roles as well,” Divich pointed toward difference-makers. “Although this was our first match together, the team has really meshed well with one another. We got into a great rhythm shortly after kickoff and it just improved as the game went on.”

Lindenwood sent 10 different players into Northern Iowa’s try zone, and Divich herself led with five tries on the wing. She oversaw a diverse lineup that included just one other teammate who had more than a year with the Lady Lions.

The backline included four debutantes: flyhalf McKenzie Hawkins (11 conversions), inside center Morgan Courtney (2 tries), outside center Hannah Gauthreaux (3T,C), and fullback Neariah Persinger (3T). Scrumhalf AnnaKaren Pedraza (1T) and wing Kendal McCracken joined in spring 2015.

The forwards combined for more time in a Lions jersey, although prop Morgan Crowell was the only player with more than one season of experience. Loose forwards Joyce Taufa (1T), Gio Cruz (2T), and Tiffany Person enter their first 15s league season, while Laura Enk (1T), Taina Aumua, Lina Unga, and Lia Illi (1T) played in their first Lindenwood match.

Returners and reserves McKenna Davis and Ariana Lewis combined for 11 points, kicking three conversions and scoring a try, respectively.

“The UNI girls really fought hard against us, especially when they had possession,” Divich said of the competition. “We did play a bit of defense, and despite not letting them score on us, we definitely have some things to improve on. We look forward to using this match to prepare for next weekend against Indiana and to continuously grow as a team each week.”

UNI is the reigning DI Midwest champion but the loss of a fulltime head coach has been crucial. Saturday was a tune-up for the Midwest league, which kicks off Sept. 19, when UNI will play Iowa State. Lindenwood is an independent team and its aggressive schedule should be weighty enough to warrant an at-large bid to playoffs – provided that the season continues to go well.