ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The second-ranked Navy men's rugby team (15-2) dropped a hard-fought 10-3 match to third-ranked Lindenwood (35-3-1) in the quarterfinals of the Collegiate Rugby Association of America (CRAA) Division I-A Playoffs at the Prusmack Rugby Center on Saturday.

"I'm very frustrated and upset about the outcome today, but you win some and you lose some," said Navy Director of Rugby Gavin Hickie. "Our defense today was outstanding; it's been outstanding all season."

The Lions benefited from the sloppy conditions, forcing a turnover in the Mids' opening possession. Lindenwood's aggressive attack resulted in a non-release foul on Navy and the Lions elected for a penalty kick that they made to take an early 3-0 lead in the fourth minute.

The muddy conditions halted multiple drives for both teams. Navy's first possession into the opponent's 22-meter zone stalled out after the ball went out of bounds in the 12th minute.

Lindenwood drove into Navy's five-meter zone, but the ball slipped through the hands of a Lions attacker to end the first half 3-0.

Navy struck first in the second half when Lindenwood was penalized for a collapsed scrum and the Mids elected for a penalty kick. Roanin Krieger drilled his 52nd conversion kick this season from 22-meters out to tie the match at 3 in the 45th minute.

Navy muffed the ensuing kickoff and the ball fell into the hands of a Lions player who slammed in the first try of the match in the 46th minute. Lindenwood made the conversion kick to make the score 10-3.

Navy controlled the final minutes of the match, but the Lions' defense fended off the Mids from a try. It is he first time Navy has been held without a try in program history.

"Our seniors need to be recognized for the way they led the team this year; they have been outstanding all year," remarked Hickie.

Box Score
Lindenwood 10, Navy 3
First Half
3:31 – Penalty kick – Lindenwood (0-3)
 
Second Half
 
44:56 – Penalty kick – Navy – Roanin Krieger (3-3)
 
45:47 – Try – Lindenwood (3-8)
Conversion kick (3-10)