In a game that carried all the drama that it deserved, Lindenwood University emerged 16-15 victors over Life in the 2022 Women's D1 Elite final.
Held during the CRAA Fall Classic at the Matthews Sportsplex near Charlotte, NC, the final once again produced Lindenwood as the champions, but it was a close-run thing.
Life was camped out for a long time in the Lindenwood end during the opening sequence. It was frustrating for the Running Eagles, however, as they just couldn't get that early try. Finally an effective give-and-go between flyhalf Saher Hamden and center Su Adegoke put Life close. Lindenwood defended desperately but were penalized and Jess Keating slotted the goal.
In a defensive clash points were at a premium. Keating had another shot after Hamden got close, but missed. Then Lindenwood had a chance to come back after Adegoke was yellow-carded. A massive break from prop Kapoina Bailey put Life on the back foot and the Lions recycled quickly and sent it out to fullback Demi Allen who took off to the corner. Lindenwood led 5-3.
Not long after it was 10-3 when center Amy Brice found some space. With three attackers to cover the final Life defender was out of luck and a dummy and little shimmy Brice was in and the Lions led 10-8.
A penalty for Life led to a lineout and maul. The forwards kept up the momentum and Abigail Bachman picked up and was over. That closed the gap but Lindenwood led 10-8 at halftime.