Life University shocked Central Washington in the DI Elite semifinals 29-20 thanks to a more adventurous approach and some execution in the red zone.

Central continued to play aggressive rugby and worked the phases, but they continually found themselves defending their own tryline thanks to turnovers and some impressive runs from the Running Eagles. 

"We talked a lot about the previous game," said Life Head Coach Rosalind Chou, referring to her team's 10-5 loss to CWU a few weeks ago. "They said they didn't have any space. I said 'well, if you don't have any space in front of you, where is it?'"

And the players cottoned on — the space is behind the CWU players. 

"'So how do you exploit that space/' I asked," said Chou. "We kick" they said.

Responding to and reading what was in front of them saw the Runing Eagles to three early tries and put the Wildcats on their heels.

Kayla Pemasa and Sophia Pyrz each touched down to stake Life to a 10-0 lead. CWU responded but Life went right back to put Jess Keating over. Central responded again and it was a back-and-forth second half, but Life held on.

"One of our problems has been that when teams come back on us we would somehow lose our composure," said Chou. "But they held it together this time."

Led by front-rower Jess Keating and flyhalf Sydnee Cervinski, Life battled nicely, didn't fold when CWU made it 17-15, and put Central away.

"Hats off to an incredible CWU squad who pressured us for an entire 80 minutes," said Chou. "They are so well coached and have such talented student-athletes, we knew it was going to be a very difficult task to win on the road."