Life University's new women's undergraduate rugby team rebounded from a loss to Quinnipiac to beat Middle Tennessee State University 71-7 Saturday in their first victory of their first season.

On a very hot day the Running Eagles lasted longer and scored 13 tries, with No. 8 Nicole Syasko and wing Deshel Ferguson scoring seven between them.

"They're starting to execute the game plan," said Life U Head Coach Rosalind Chou. "So I'm very pleased they took all of the feedback from last week's game and film review and training to really improve on our weaknesses."

Chou was also pleased with the defensive effort, saying, "All week we practiced defense because that was one of our weaknesses. Our training sessions were almost entirely dedicated to defense."

The program is still very young, but Director of Rugby and newly-named Life Assistant Athletics Director Dan Payne said the formation of the women's program has already been successful.

"This women's team has been a blessing for us," said Payne. "The growth of the entire program, and the camaraderie are something to see. We are one program, men and women, and we've got a great group of women. The guys come out and watch them play and work with them. It's been a good challenge for us as coaches, but it's starting well."