
Photo Credit: Tay Hawker (above & homepage)
Cameron Reed struck first with a converted try just seven minutes in, and scrum half Giovanni Falco soon followed to give the host a quick double-digit lead. Unable to slow Lindenwood’s early momentum, four more Lions would score, including two from Gabe Farley, to drive the steep advantage to 45-0 by halftime.
Colorado State would put its first points on the board near the 55th-minute mark when flanker Ben Pinkelman got beyond the end line and the team struck again 15 minutes later. However, the two tries would only act as a minor moral victory, as Lindenwood doubled the Rams’ second half scoring output to seal the convincing win.
The clinical performance earns Lindenwood a trip to the United States Air Force Academy and a place in the D1A Quarterfinals. The 10th-ranked Zoomies earned a Round 1 bye after squeezing out the West Conference title over Colorado State based on point differential, but should have their hands full with the Lions.