The Tennessee Tri-Stars won the Tier 1 Midwest Regional Cup Tournament (RCT), defeating Indy Speed, Celtic Ohio and Michigan en route to the title.
“Thanks to our balanced strengths on attack, both power up front and footwork out wide, we worked hard on implementing an attack plan that targeted a traditionally vulnerable weak spot on defenses: inside the post defender. Ideally we moved the breakdown toward the sideline, and then fired the ball out to the backs to see their magic,” Whitman detailed strategy. “I credit the girls for working hard on learning and being able to implement the attack plan within a three-week span during practices that were held across the state of Tennessee.”
Of the three games, Whitman pointed to Indy Speed as the most fun and nail-biting to watch.
“Although I’ve got to give huge props to Celtic Ohio who seemed to have a targeted attack strategy after watching our day one games,” Whitman credited the opposition. “Thankfully by second half, we were able to counteract their offenses and settle down into our plan.”
The Tier 2 team finishes second behind a strong Indy Speed.
“Our JV team was excellent throughout this short RCT season of coming together and connecting as a team and putting in the hard yards to learn the new skills play at a higher level than they’ve seen before,” Whitman lauded the underclassmen. “We’re so very proud.”
“Adrionna Duncan, our Life commit, center and flyhalf, dazzled with her speed and confident decision-making,” Whitman praised the captain. “Serena White, flanker, graduating senior, was an unstoppable steamroller with powerful stiff-arms preventing tackles. And Carlicia Beam, prop, rising junior, with her exciting mix of power-prop and dynamic center-like speed and footwork.”
Tennessee Tri-Stars Tier 2 team
The weekend also produced its breakout performances from a trio of rising juniors.
“Selena Jones, center – her contribution to the backline cannot be understated. We were able to design a backline around her due to her ability to run and defend against tacklers,” Whitman explained. “Also Haniyah Baugh at 8 man. She was a strong and quietly very capable leader for the forwards. Kierra Tuggle, center/ flyhalf and was our other Tier 1 Captain.”
All told, it was an extremely successful weekend for the Tennessee all-stars and were a superb addition to the Midwest showcase.