Las Vegas is 4-0 in DII Pacific South
The DI and DII club competitions within the Pacific South are structured slightly differently this year, but one thing has remained the same: Every weekend brings drama in the standings.
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Division I is comprised of only three teams this year – Belmont Shore, Santa Monica and Tempe – and all three are currently 1-1. Their schedules are padded with a competitive DII match (Ventura County, Las Vegas, O.P. Lightning) as well as a San Diego Surfers DI friendly. On Saturday, Belmont Shore defeated Tempe 34-27 in Arizona.
Belmont Shore took a 24-10 in the first half, as flanker Crystal Elston (2), outside center Sisilia Puaka and wing Kelechi Agalaba scored tries. Flyhalf Ai Fujii knocked over two conversions. Tempe outscored Belmont Shore three tries to two in the second half, but five-pointers from fullback Emily Rodin and inside center Jenn Picard kept a cushion in place. (see the full scoresheet here)
“Our forward pack is filled with promising new rookies, with the bulk of our experience residing in the back line,” Belmont Shore coach Grace Espinoza explained. “Depth in the ranks was a big concern early on; however, as we progress through the season we are finding more and more good options from the bench.”
Rodin and Fujii are the leaders on the pitch, and they both have 10-plus years of experience. The forwards follow Allison Kelly’s example. Watch for newcomers Agalaba and Puaka, who is nicknamed “Hammer,” to make an impact this season.
DI enjoys a bye week this weekend, then it contests DII friendlies on March 11 before resuming the second half of league and integrating San Diego.
Division II zoned in on O.P. Lightning and Fullerton, but now it’s Las Vegas that tops the standings at 4-0. Perhaps the Slots are fulfilling expectations as a former DI team, but that’s not entirely accurate according Las Vegas president Jeruscha Ako.
“We were given the opportunity to move to D2 after struggling to match the ability and skill of the competing D1 teams for the last two years,” she explained. “With Las Vegas being such a transient city, we have new players every week. We have a lot of rookies who need the opportunity to grow and play against teams of the same ability.”
The Slots have defeated San Fernando Valley 27-20, Pasadena 12-10, Ventura County 41-7, and last weekend shut out Fullerton 28-0 in California.
“Although we are undefeated at the moment, the results by no means reflect the games accurately,” Ako continued. “Our opposition so far have been extremely well drilled and skilled. It has been only because of heart, determination and teamwork that we’ve dug deep to come away with the win each game. Going back down to D2 was without a doubt the right decision for our team. It has allowed us to rebuild and develop our players.”
Las Vegas traveled light to Fullerton, with 16 players rostered and out of position. The Slots stayed positive, adapted, and sent outside center Ashleigh De Steunder, lock Haylee Holsclaw and lock Lisa Martin across for tries (plus a penalty try). Flyhalf Danielle Schumacher added the conversions. (see full score sheet here).
Leading the way is a pair of UN Reno graduates – halfbacks Tyler Malcolm and Schumacher, who are serving as co-captains.
“They’re amazing athletes and have proved to be an unstoppable duo on the pitch,” Ako praised. “We also have a solid group of vet players who are the core of this team and have played since the beginning of the Slots. They help guide our rookies and create a positive atmosphere where everyone can grow and develop.”
Even though Las Vegas is rebuilding its ranks, nationals is on the radar.
“We want our rookies to be rewarded for their hard work and to experience the grand stage at nationals,” Ako reflected on her time playing playoff ball. “I’ll always be pushing my team to strive for greatness and to achieve the highest level of success in this game. Our goal each week is to develop our players, improve our game and to win.”
Akin to DI, the DII Pacific South enjoys a bye this weekend.
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