Photo courtesy OP Lightning Women’s Rugby
The DII Pacific South got underway last weekend and saw six of its eight senior women’s clubs in motion. Reigning champion Old Pueblo Lightning, Pasadena and Las Vegas all earned their first wins of the season.
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While Pasadena led Ventura from the third minute on, the point differential ranged from 1-13 points before settling on a 29-24 final in favor of Pasadena. Prop Molly Shamieh (2), No. 8 Britney Meshke and wing Vanessa Gardner scored Pasadena’s tries, while flanker Saidhbhe O’Riordan contributed nine points on three conversions and a penalty. Ventura inside center Danielle Morrison (2), flyhalf Yukako Kawakatsu and scrumhalf Desiree Leaupepe scored the Outlaws’ tries, while Morrison and fullback Taylor Izzo kicked the extras.
The first half of the Las Vegas vs. San Luis Obispo game was knotted at 5-all, as prop Similiti Lula and No. 8 Elena Strom scored for their respective sides. The second half saw the Slots snap into action with four tries in 20 minutes. Scrumhalf Tyler Malcolm, fullback Ashleigh De Steunder, prop Lesley Green and lock Rebekah Bobrosky added five-pointers, and reserve Louisa Sawyer tacked on a final try in the waning minutes. Flyhalf Danielle Schumacher kicked the two-pointers. At the death, SLO flanker Shelby Robinett scored for a 36-10 final.
Reigning league champion O.P. Lightning dotted down nine tries in its 59-0 shutout over Fullerton. Fullback Sydney Dudley, wing Mary Begay, outside center Jessica Szakacs (2), flanker Emily Bowen (3), No. 8 Cassandra Rincon and reserve Tanya Remsburg scored the tries, and flyhalf Alex Rath kicked seven conversions.
Week 2 sees the following matches:
San Fernando Valley @ OP Lightning
Las Vegas @ Ventura County
Fullerton @ Pasadena
San Luis Obispo @ Santa Barbara