Lindenwood University repeated as Women’s D1 Elite National Champions Sunday, beating Life University 36-19 in a rematch of last year's final.

Teresa Bueso Gomez was the game MVP, scoring a try and continually providing go-forward for the Lions from the center position.

"I'm really proud of our women and what they've done," said Billy Nicholas, Lindenwood's head coach. "The heart they've put in this year and the passion they play with."

Life got off to roaring start, with scrumhalf Bridget Kahele scoring in the fourth minute of the match. Too many infractions and loose ball-handling by Lindenwood helped Life take a 14-0 lead. But Lindenwood rebounded, with Caring De Freitas making a run that resulted in a penalty goal.

A try from Sativa Tarau-Peehikuru put Lindenwood closer, and the Lions took the momentum from there and led at the break. But Life scored right after halftime, and the key reply then came from Lindenwood No. 8 Dimeken Paogofie-Buyten. Her try gave Lindenwood a 21-19 lead, a lead the Lions would not relinquish.

In 2017, Life defeated Lindenwood in the D1 Elite final, and in the CRC, while Lindenwood took the USA Rugby 7s title. In 2018, Lindenwood swept all three titles, and also took home the Sorensen Award for the top player in the country—McKenzie Hawkins getting the nod.

This year, it's one down, and two to go—three if you include the Sorensen. The Lions look as ferocious as ever. 

Reporting on this from Angus Bishop for USA Rugby. See more on his reporting on this game here.