Shariyf Mayer scoring against Mexico. / Photos: Jackie Finlan
The USA and Canada asserted their dominance in the Youth Olympic Games Rugby Americas North qualifier today, defeating their opponents by a combined 207-0. The final pool play round and the semifinals will be contested tomorrow. USA and Canada play at 9:22 a.m. Friday on field 19.
The day started with a 41-0 win over Mexico. The USA was able to play most of the game in the attacking end, and its defense did well to produce lots of scoring opportunities. Clara Lemal-Brown showcased her speed in scoring four tries, but also dotted down a nice individual try after powering through 40 meters of defenders.
The honor of the first try scored went to hooker Maddie Rose, who dotted down after an oppressive defense forced a turnover inside Mexico’s 10 meter. Salote Tausinga kicked off the second half with a corner try, which captain Alex DiMarco converted. The skipper had three conversions on the day.
And finally, Bishop O’Dowd’s Shariyf Mayer ended the game with the team’s seventh try, giving the squad some good momentum heading into round two.
The set-up of the YOG qualifier is interesting in that it’s meant to be a high-performance environment, but it’s placed in the festival atmosphere of the LVI. Emilie Bydwell, the USA Rugby Women’s High Performance General Manager and USA girl’s coach, indicated that detailed schedules are kept – pre- and post-game routines, when players can interact with family and friends – and that it’s all done to keep the players focused.
It took a little time for the USA to sync against Barbados in game two, but two tries from scrumhalf Ariana Ramsey, who can really slice off the weak side of the scrum, lifted the team.
In the second half, Susan Adegoke legged out a try from midfield, and Taylor Marasco bullied her way across the line for five. Ramsey added a third try, while Cecelia Pennell kicked the extras in a 29-0 win.
While most of the team was familiar – either from Girls’ High School All-American fixtures or other select side tours – newcomer Kapoina Bailey made a lasting impression today. She’s still learning the sport, but her raw athleticism and proclivity for contact have distinguished her.
Canada also posted two shutouts – 57-0 vs. Barbados, 80-0 vs. Mexico – and will face the USA at 9:22 a.m. PST tomorrow. The duo is expected to contest the final as well, with the winner, and only the winner, moving onto the Youth Olympic Games. Bydwell was happy with the team’s performance today but acknowledged that there’s much work to be done.
USA 41-0 Mexico
Tries: Lemal-Brown 4, Rose, Tausinga, Mayer
Cons: DiMarco 3
USA 29-0 Barbados
Tries: Ramsey 3, Adegoke, Marasco
Cons: Pennell 2
Friday, March 2
9:22 a.m. PST USA v Canada
11:30/11:52 a.m. Semifinals
Saturday, March 3
11:00 a.m. Final
USA Girls @ YOG Qualifier
1. Taylor Marasco
2. Maddie Rose
3. Fane Haungatau
4. Cecelia Pennell
5. Alex DiMarco
6. Salote Tausinga
7. Clara Lemal-Brown
8. Kapoina Bailey
9. Kate Buzby
10. Shariyf Mayer
11. Ariana Ramsey
12. Susan Adegoke
#YouthOlympicGames