Recap Courtesy USA Rugby

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Life University prevailed in the second half of the D1A National Championship to edge out a dangerous Saint Mary's College side 16-14. Match MVP Joe Cowley accounted for 11 of those points with a try and two penalties.

The first half saw Saint Mary's jump out to a 14-3 lead with two trademark Gaels tries, using great running angles and beating defenders one on one. Gaels fullback Tim Maupin scored first, finishing off an excellent team try stepping defenders and putting down the gas pedal to score under the sticks.

Ten minutes later, outside center Mike Haley sliced up Life's midfield defense to touch down for a five pointer. Garrett Brewer converted both tries.

Up 14-3 at the half, Saint Mary's looked extremely dangerous and were dominating the scrums. Then the rain came.

A few light drizzles in the first half gave way to a downpour in the second, a circumstance that very much played into Life's favor.

Box Score:

Life 16

Tries: Cowley (47'), Ohmann (56')

Penalties: Cowley (3', 45')

St. Mary's 14

Tries: Maupin (20'), Haley (31')

Conversions: Brewer (21', 31')