Photos: Colleen McCloskey •
Sunday was a good day for the Capital Selects, as the men’s and women’s teams defeated their Stars counterparts, and the women’s program put its developmental squad onto the pitch. The women’s 45-17 victory also marked the one-year anniversary of the program’s inaugural match – also against the Stars – and extended its undefeated record against American opponents.
“For me, the win is a bonus,” Capital Selects women’s coach Toga Fanueli said. “The program is moving in the right direction. What the Capital [Geographic] Union is doing is giving back to the dues-paying clubs. We try to invite everybody so they can bring the experience back to their clubs.
“We also want to give those girls who never get noticed by USA Rugby an opportunity,” the coach added. “There’s so much potential, so many players who never get looked at.”
The Capital Selects had an advantage on the pitch, as groups of club teammates aided on-field chemistry. That synchronicity was best felt in the Capital backs as several starters – including vice captain and flyhalf Chelsea Garber – hailed from Raleigh. Venom teammate Holly Zoeller earned praised for try-saving tackles, while NOVA’s Kayla Cook also drew acclaim from coach Fanueli. In the forwards, Maggie Olney, the WPL captain for the D.C. Furies, served as leader, and No. 8 Katie Lutton (James River) showcased her pull-away and stepping abilities.
Fanueli singled out Stars Frieda Fetu’u, who scored two tries, and Oakland University’s Emily Hranchook, and all of these players were topics of conversation with USA Rugby scout Nancy Fitz.
The Capital Selects developmental team played a third half, and the all-star coach took special notice of Catholic University’s Emma Nelsen, who played No. 8.
“She’s very quiet and shy, but she has size and can move,” Fanueli said. “Sunday, two weeks ago, we had a scrimmage in the rain. I could see that she has talent. She’s physical, not afraid of contact, and a good, solid tackler. … If she can be herself and not worry, she will be a great player.”
Reflecting on the first year of the women’s Capital Selects program, Fanueli is eager to keep branching out. He wants more clubs to invest – in particular, the Pittsburgh Angels, a good DI club that Faneuli watched against NOVA – and hopes the competition diversifies as well.
“I wish more unions had select sides,” Fanueli lamented. “ITTs [National All-Star Championship] was the first good thing for American rugby. It was the players’ opportunity to play other unions. There’s nothing for club rugby now. If you’re not on the radar, then you’ll never get looked at until someone recommends you.”
Capital and Stars have a good relationship, and their rosters will converge at the LVI 7s this year. The Stars will bring multiple teams – men’s and women’s – to the international tournament in early March.
For the full list of Sunday’s women’s rosters, click here.
For more information on the Capital Selects, visit rugby.org. To learn about the Stars program, visit starsrugby7s.blogspot.com.