Photo: Mike Lee – KLC fotos for World Rugby
CHULA VISTA, CA. – The Women’s Eagles Sevens will begin the final stop of the 2017-18 HSBC World Sevens Series at Paris Sevens on Fri, June 8. After setting a new benchmark with their Bronze finish in Langford, marking the first time the squad has medaled twice in one season, the Women’s Sevens look ahead to Paris with a chance to finish higher than ever in the Top Four. Pool play opponents and schedules for the 2018 Paris Sevens tournament will be announced closer to date.
Facing Canada in a thrilling affair that saw both teams go back and forth across the tryline, USA finished victorious with a 28-26 result that offered a meeting with New Zealand in the Cup Semifinals. There, the U.S. was challenged through both halves of play, remaining competitive through the first but ultimately falling to a 10-33 Black Ferns Sevens win. But, during the Bronze Final against France, the Eagles employed a relentless energy and technical execution that earned a 21-5 medal-winning finish. Medaling for the second time this season, the United States left Langford two spots higher in the overall standings in fifth place (44 points), only a points differential behind Canada from climbing to fourth. The United States also heads to Paris ranked in the Top Five of seven offensive and defensive statistical categories, including all-time points and tries scored.
Injured in training camp and forced to miss the trip to Langford, Kristen Thomas will rejoin her team in Paris healthy and prepared to build upon her season debut in Kitakyushu. Owning two tries in one tournament alone, Thomas’ return will be an invaluable asset to the U.S. as the season comes to a close. With Sarah Buonopane and Kate Zackary not traveling to France, Ilona Maher will make her senior international debut. A standout athlete from Quinnipiac University, Maher recently helped Scion Rugby Academy earn an Elite title at the 2018 Las Vegas Invitational.
On what to expect on the pitch in Paris…”Every opponent we face in Paris will be that much more physical and determined to produce a promising result as the season ends. Knowing this, it will be critical for us to minimize errors and produce as many opportunities as we can to stay ahead on the scoreboard.”
TEAM STATS
HSBC World Series Standing5th | 44 points
Most Points Scored5th | 446 points
Most Tries Scored5th | 70 tries
Most Conversions Made 4th | 48 conversions
Restarts5th | 81 restarts
All-Time Points4th | 3,124 points
All-Time Tries4th | 513 tries
PLAYER STATS
Most Points Scored: Alev Kelter | 2nd, 149 points
Most Tries Scored: Naya Tapper | 4th, 22 tries
Most Conversions: Alev Kelter | 4th, 60 conversions
Most Tackles: Alev Kelter | 4th, 60 tackles
1. Jordan Gray | 20pts 2. Cheta Emba | 20pts3. Abby Gustaitis | 15pts4. Joanne Fa’avesi | 0pts5. Ryan Carlyle | 25pts6. Nicole Heavirland (C) | 62pts7. Kayla Canett | 0pts8. Lauren Doyle | 0pts9. Ilona Maher | 0pts10. Alev Kelter | 149pts11. Kris Thomas | 10pts12. Naya Tapper | 110ptsNon-traveling reserves: Kate Zackary, Neariah Persinger, Kasey McCravey, Mata Hingano
The 2018 Paris Sevens tournament will begin on June 8 LIVE on FloRugby. Schedule and pool play opponents will be announced closer to date.