Photo: Myrna Mattina
The Provo Steelers drew attention last year when it made rapid improvements from 2016 and advanced to the Utah state semifinals. The team immediately piqued interest this year when it tied United 10-10, in league play. And now, Provo finished second at the NorCal Invitational and will continue to build en route to the 2018 National Invitational Tournament (NIT).
“We’re still a fairly new team. Most of the veteran players have been playing for three years, and the other half is new. We have a lot of talented players who were basketball or volleyball players prior to playing rugby, so they’re still trying to adapt,” Provo coach Lee Hopokingi said. “As far as depth, we don’t really have any since many of the players are new, but we’re working with what we have.”
Props Noreen Hopokingi and Sini Pupunu-Kaufusi anchor the front row, and flankers Jenna Tela and Kalia Lesa set the tone for the forwards’ work rate. Halfbacks Aniya Matina and Gursteen Teaupea direct the attack, respectively, and D’Zelle Notoa and Jane Benson are the examples out wide. To realize its full potential, though, the team must get its new players on the same level as its veterans.
Photo: Jackie Finlan
“That’s why it was good for them to come to this tournament so they can get more experience playing against these teams, and so we can get to the level that we’re working toward,” said Provo coach William Kaufusi. “The girls were hyped to come to California from Utah – who wouldn’t be excited to come out and see where they’re at?”
Provo opened up the tournament with a 27-5 win over Mother Lode and followed with a 5-0 semifinal win over Fallbrook. The latter victory was a big one, considering the stature of the opponent.
“Just like everyone else, we have high expectations. We just need to fix things where we can,” Hopokingi said. “Overall I know the potential of our girls. We’re a little better that we [were today], but as you can see, we’re still learning.”
“I saw a lot of heart. When things broke down, they still worked hard and they kept it going,” Kaufusi said after the Fallbrook win. “There were a lot of penalties but they still fought.”
Provo was down to 14 players at one point for a high-tackle yellow card, but escaped the disadvantage without any points against. Hopokingi noted some technique issues in tackling but attributed it to be being “in the moment.” Coach Kaufusi also noted that fitness affects discipline, but again, it’s all a work in progress.
Photo: Jackie Finlan
The two wins set up a Sunday final against South Bay. The SoCal side was competing in Livermore, Calif., to also test itself against the region’s best, and defeated Danville 43-0 and Land Park 19-0 on day one. The Spartans ran on that adrenaline into Sunday’s final and put down a 34-5 victory. Provo scored the only try against South Bay throughout the tournament.
Despite the loss, Provo returned to Utah with many lessons gained and renewed confidence. Remember that Utah isn’t very deep into its 15s season, and the Steelers have a whole month before they head to the NIT in Nashville. Provo also won’t be the only Utah team in Tennessee this May and will be joined by the 2017 club NIT champion United.
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