Sacramento, California — April 13, 2026 — Life University’s (Life U) Women’s Rugby team claimed the CRAA Division I XVs National Championship on April 11, defeating BYU 40–14 at Heart Health Park.
The championship match, which opened a Pacific Four Series doubleheader, was called at halftime due to severe weather and a subsequent lightning delay, with officials ending the contest for safety and scheduling reasons.
Life U dominated the first half, building a commanding lead through pace, physicality and efficient finishing. Azhinaye Barner scored twice for the Running Eagles, opening the scoring in the 12th minute and adding a second after a 60‑meter break. Danie Taulua, Angelina Mason, Christina Opeti and Hattie Greenwood also crossed the try line.
Mason was nearly perfect from the tee, converting 5 of 6 kicks. Life U led 40–14 at the break.
Despite the shortened contest, Life U’s first‑half performance left little doubt.
“It wasn’t the full 80 minutes we prepared for,” said Director of Rugby Ryszard Chadwick. “Building a 40–14 lead against a tough rival like BYU showed our attacking dominance. The team worked incredibly hard all season, and this championship belongs to them.”
Life U supporters remained on site following the decision to conclude the match, celebrating as the Running Eagles secured the 2026 national title.
Final score: Life University 40, BYU 14.
The Running Eagles finished the campaign with a spotless 18-0 record in XVs competition this season, with dominating victories over both powerhouse college competition (e.g. Penn State, Stanford and BYU) and USA Rugby Women’s Division 1 (WD1) Club competition (e.g. Houston sHARCs, Philadelphia Rugby Football Club, etc.).
About Life University Athletics
Life University Athletics is home to nationally respected programs that emphasize excellence in competition, academics and leadership. Through a mission‑driven approach, Life University develops student‑athletes committed to lead with purpose on and off the field.
About Life University
Founded in 1974, Life University is a health sciences institution most known for its flagship Doctor of Chiropractic Program within its College of Chiropractic. Undergraduates can pursue more than a dozen undergraduate degrees and three graduate degrees within the College of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies. Some degree programs are offered to distance learners through the College of Online Education.
Life University strives to empower our students to succeed both professionally and personally. At Life U, we innovate our approach to higher education while also remaining true to our philosophical commitment to produce informed leaders who exemplify humanistic values in their professions. To achieve this goal, Life U recognizes and demonstrates its dedication through three official Life University Values: Lasting Purpose, Vitalism and Integrity.
Life U’s 110-acre campus in Marietta, Georgia, just northwest of Atlanta, is home to more than 2,400 undergraduate, graduate and professional students who come from all 50 United States and more than 60 countries.
Life University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s and Doctor of Chiropractic degrees, and also has programmatic accreditation through the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) and the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The mission of Life University is to empower students with the education, skills and values necessary for career success and life fulfillment, based on a vitalistic philosophy.
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