Life University laid down an impressive marker in winning their DIA semifinal over Lindenwood University 43-14.

In a very physical and sometimes chippy game, Life dominated field position and scoring in the first half. The Lions roared back in the second half to come within two tries, but Life put the dagger in late to win it.

No. 8 Glen Maricelli was a major factor on the day, powering ahead with runs both in tight and out near the wing. And in fact the game began with Maricelli charging ahead from the kickoff to get the Running Eagles into Lindenwood territory. Life consolidated, and then the No. 8 broke through for the first try of the game.

Lindenwood had a chance to get some points soon after, but wing Lungi Tshuma’s long-range attempt was wide. That would essentially be the final act of Tshuma’s season, as he was soon seen crashing the ball up the middle right at the much smaller Blane McIlroy. The Life flyhalf made a huge tackle, and Tshuma didn’t get up for some time, and when he did, he was replaced by Maani Kapa.

That was a blow to Lindenwood, and they received another when center Mark Gribben linked up with wing Zander Van Schalkwyk to put the Charlotte product in at the corner. Van Scharlkwyk rounded closer to the posts and McIlroy slotted to the conversion for a 14-0 lead.

After that, Life just worked the phases. They were methodical and patient, and eventually scrumhalf Marcus Walsh darted ahead and fed Maricelli for the No. 8’s second try and a 21-0 lead.

The game was marked with a few altercations between the teams, and Lindenwood was under a yellow card late in the first half. But the half ended with Maricelli going into the bin for a repeated ruck infringement.

The second half started with Life once again on the front foot. The Running Eagles seemed content to pin Lindenwood in their 22, and that eventually produced a fairly wayward kick gathered by a Life back. Walsh and Tyrus Baytops were both involved in the movement, with Baytops sending a nifty pass out of contact to Zander Van Schalkwyk for the wing’s second try.

Lindenwood finally got on the board, working a backline movement off the scrum to put fullback Gabe Farley in at the corner. Farley Michael Bateman converted to make it 26-7, and not long after it was 26-14. This time Bateman found a gap and shoved away a would-be tackler to go in under the posts.

The flyhalf kicked the conversion to put Lindenwood within 12, and with their size advantage in the backline, the Lions looked as if they might turn the tide of the game. But a yellow card to Lindenwood put them on their heels once more. Life kicked for the corner on the penalty and then lock Michael Islava almost made it to the line. No try, but an easy penalty attempt for McIlroy, which, when successful, put Life three scores up at 29-15.

Lindenwood had to press the issue then and such pressing can lead to mistakes. Baytops swopped in on a pass and was gone in under the posts - just reward for the wing’s solid day at the office. Life capped it off with another try, this time from Gribben.

In the end, the Life security at the breakdown was stronger, and as a result, their backline play was more dynamic. Lindenwood had power in the backs, but Life had the ball movement and speed.

Life moves on to the DIA final just a few minute down the road at Kennesaw State University’s Fifth Third Bank Stadium. 

Life University 43

Tries: Maricelli 2, Z. Van Schalkwyk 2, Baytops, Gribben

Convs: McIlroy 4, D. Van Schalkwyk 

Pens: McIlroy

Lindenwood 14

Tries: Farley, Bateman

Convs: Bateman 2