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Lindenwood Looks to PSU, Army

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Lindenwood Looks to PSU, Army

Persinger scored three tries against Indiana. (Photo courtesy Lindenwood Women's Rugby)

Lindenwood’s first and second sides have played two games apiece, and they’ve combined for a 390-0 scoreline. But the Lady Lions aren’t padding their schedule with gimme games; those victories came against two traditionally strong DI teams, Northern Iowa and Indiana. And this weekend, the Missouri side travels to State College, Pa., to take on Army and Penn State.

Eleven different players scored tries against Indiana on Sautrday: Amanda Divich (4); Neariah Persinger (3); two apiece from Gio Cruz, AnnaKaren Pedraza, McKenzie Hawkings, Hannah Gauthreaux and Morgan Crowell; and one each from Laura Enk, Kim Shepard, and Ariana Lewis. Conversions came out of Hawkins (9), Gauthreaux (7), and McKenna Davis (4).

“Despite the scores, Northern Iowa and Indiana did offer some size in their forwards, and we definitely had to bring some defense,” Lindenwood coach Billy Nicholas reported. “The team is really starting to find their rhythm and work together, but we as a coaching staff and team know it will take time until we eventually hit full stride, with such a diverse mix of rookies and veterans.”

The competition picks up this weekend, beginning with Army on Friday night. The Black Knights are 3-0 and celebrated a big victory over Norwich last weekend. Penn State follows on Saturday.

“The biggest thing will be the speed of their attack and how that will really test our defense,” Nicholas looked ahead. “We played Penn State last fall, but we have a very different team now. They’ll be fresh when we play them, but we are actually looking forward to the back-to-back matches, just in case any playoff scenarios are the same situation. We want to be prepared and deal with that adversity and quick turn-around time.

“We are definitely looking at this one day at a time, though,” Nicholas added. “Army has put in some wins against AIC, Quinnipiac, and Norwich, and I really respect what [head coach] Bill Leclerc is doing their with the program.”

The East Coast trip is the first of two doubleheaders on Lindenwood’s schedule. The Lady Lions will head to North Carolina and UVA later this fall, as well.

“I don't think we are out to prove anything this week,” Nicholas said. “I think the proving will be done in the spring when we head into playoffs and championships. This week for us is all about rising to a challenge and that’s exactly what we have in front of us. There’s going to be a lot of growing this weekend, and we all know that, but this group of girls here has the ability to do some amazing things and I think that'll be shown Friday.”