ANNAPOLIS, Md. – A spot in the Collegiate Rugby Association of America (CRAA) Division I-A National Championship is on the line on Saturday as second-ranked Navy (10-1) welcomes fourth-ranked Life (13-2) to the Prusmack Rugby Center. Kickoff for the semifinal game is set for 11 a.m.
Fans can stream the game free of charge via the
Navy Athletics YouTube page, with links available at
navysports.com.
The winner advances to the national title game on May 2 at Kuntz Memorial Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. They will face the winner of the Western semifinal between top-ranked California and fifth-ranked Saint Mary's.
Notes for Traveling Fans
- Admission to the Prusmack Rugby Center is free.
- Spectator parking is located in the lots on the north side of the Brigade Sports Complex (64 Greenbury Point Road, Annapolis, MD 21402). Overflow parking is available in the open space on the west side of the facility.
Navy Notes
- Navy, the top seed in the East bracket, is seeking its third trip to the national championship in the last four seasons. Since elevating to varsity status in 2022, the Mids are 2-0 in CRAA semifinal games.
- The Midshipmen offense has been dominant recently, eclipsing the 35-point mark in five-consecutive outings.
- Team captain Austin Taylor has scored a try in every playoff game this season. Taylor, Kade Williams, and Roanin Krieger are the only Mids to score in both postseason contests this year.
- Roanin Krieger leads the roster in total points (165), conversion kicks (56) and penalty kicks (11). He sits just two conversions shy of 200 for his career.
- Andrew Baublitz enters the weekend with a team-high nine tries and ranks second on the squad with 45 total points.
Life Notes
- Life, the third seed in the East bracket, reached the semifinals by defeating 10th-ranked Mount St. Mary's (61-5) in the opening round and third-ranked Lindenwood (31-24) in the quarterfinals.
- The Running Eagles enter the game on a five-game winning streak. Their last loss was a narrow 18-15 defeat to Lindenwood on Feb. 28.
- Five different players scored in the quarterfinal win over the Lions, including Jayden Ramsey who secured the game-winning try in the 71st minute. Jonty Lee, Shaun Mathysen, Seth Kros and Aden Beatty also contributed tries in the victory.
Navy vs. Life Series History
- Since 2022, Navy holds a 3-1 series lead over Life, including a 2-1 record in games played in Annapolis.
- This is the second meeting of the year between the programs. Navy defeated Life 29-21 in October, holding off a late second-half surge after jumping out to a 29-7 lead.
- This marks the second time the schools have met in the semifinals. In 2024, Navy defeated Life 27-17 in Annapolis to advance.
Navy Sports Magazine
Max Smith recently spoke with
Tim Nolan on the Navy Sports Magazine Show to preview the semifinal. The full interview is available on the Navy Athletics YouTube channel.
CRAA Semifinal Schedule
- (3) Life at (1) Navy – 11 a.m. ET
- (2) Saint Mary's at (1) California – 4 p.m. ET (1 p.m. PT)
