ORSU’s Rachel Johnson /// Photo: Carisa Weaver (view more) •
The eighth season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) culminated in another tense championship as the San Diego Surfers won its first league title over the Glendale Raptors. The event not only showcased the country’s best teams but also brought many past and present Eagles playing together in one event – the final alone featured seven Eagles heading to France this week for the USA Women’s National Team tour (more to come).
An all-tournament team, therefore, could easily be populated with capped Eagles, who put in memorable performances this weekend. But for this iteration of an all-tournament team, we’re taking a different route. All of the following selections (save one) are uncapped athletes, but are no less noteworthy. Singularly, they all played significant roles in their teams’ final showing last weekend, and when paired alongside teammates with international experience, left lasting impressions:
#1 Ashley NESBY (New York). Big and strong, the front row is a powerful north-south ballcarrier but also evasive enough to roll out of contact for bigger gains. She teamed up with prop partner Tiffany Faaee for a nice try against the Twin Cities Amazons Sunday, as the captain crashed to the line, worked the ball free from two defenders, and hit Nesby in support for the score.
#2 Paris HART (ORSU). The hooker drew notice during the 7s season and that confidence in the open field translated nicely to 15s. Forwards captain Rachel Johnson, also on our list, credited Hart with a breakout season before her solid performance at nationals.
#3 Maggie CRAIG (Atlanta). A transfer from Chicago North Shore, Craig provided solid leadership in the pack. She was good outside of the set piece, too – like when she grounded a blocked kick in the try zone during the 5th place semifinal against Berkeley.
#4 Allison BYRNE (Berkeley). The All Blues were young across the board, but Byrne was a stabilizing force during all eight WPL games this year. She scored an important try against Atlanta, a try that really lifted the All Blues in the second half.
#5 Patsy FORD (Glendale). The Raptors are packed with talent and the young lock found a starting position among the veterans. She’s a recent Notre Dame College graduate, but she belied her youth with steadfast composure, and was consistently strong in tight, whether with ball in hand or in the tackle.
#6 Evi ASHENBRUCKER (New York). Ashenbrucker is a former San Diego Surfer and was a part of those teams that seemed to perpetually finish fifth. In the 3rd place match, the second and back rows moved around a lot, but Ashenbrucker was effective from flanker and lock.
#7 Rachel JOHNSON (ORSU). Just the essence of high work rate, confidence in open space and plucky at the breakdown. Fun to watch down the sideline trading short passes between teammates.
#8 Maggie OLNEY (DC Furies). Scored both tries for the Furies in their tough two losses. Also handled kicks to touch and was a continual spark for a team that embraced the rebuilding nature of this season.
#9 Rachel LENTSCH (Twin Cities). Really liked her involvement around the field. She, like wing Kaelene Lundstrum, was taped up and ready to jump in the lineout, ran good support lines and was easily palmed-off in the tackle.
#10 Kristen SIANO (New York). The WPL debutante scored against Glendale and then owned flyhalf when she came on during the 3rd place match against Twin Cities. Her kicking game tested the Zons’ struggling lineout and kept play in their end of the field. She got her linebreaks, too.
#11 Courtney HENDRICKSON (Berkeley). Hendrickson played outside center on Friday before switching to wing Sunday, but her excellent speed and defense were on display either way. A favorite occurred during the Atlanta match, when Harlequins #13 Monique Compito looked sure to score. Hendrickson flew into view and planted the pursuit tackle to prevent the try.
#12 Laoise O’DRISCOLL (Atlanta). The first-year WPL-er was a menace on defense and has a superb boot. She forced turnovers with blocked clearance kicks, added points off the tee and played a good territory game. She ended the season with more than 60 points.
#13 Dana MESCHISI (San Diego). Meschisi is a USA 7s Eagle, but 2016 marks her first senior club 15s season, let alone WPL season. Her footwork and acceleration were impressive, and she didn’t want for physicality in the tackle. Paired nicely with MVP center Jordan Gray.
#14 Kassidi WYNTER (New York). Arguably the best defensive wing in the tournament, she lent a nice physical presence on the sideline. It’s something one might expect from a former prop, but the former Harlequin has finishing speed, too.
#15 Tia BLYTHE (San Diego). She’s one of those players who doesn’t make mistakes. She showed how dangerous she was during 7s, but also asserted herself at fullback with try-saving tackles and good counterattacks. One of the best conversion kickers in the championship, too.