Ari Ramsey scored four tries on day one / Photo: Alex Ho (hoiho.net)
The Quest for Gold 7s began Friday in Los Angeles, and the women’s competition contested exhibition games that do not impact the standings. Each of the four teams played two games, and another two games Saturday will determine the final placing match-ups.
The Eagles started with a 71-0 shutout against Jamaica. Kristi Kirshe and Naya Tapper scored three tries apiece, while Ilona Maher followed with two. Co-captain Kristen Thomas, 20-year-old Ari Ramsey and Nicole Heavirland, who also kicked seven conversions, contributed a try each. Cheta Emba also added a conversion in the convincing win.
The subsequent match against Great Britain brought more parity, and likely previewed what will be tournament final. The Eagles won 26-7 as Maher, Ramsey and Kirshe returned to the try zone, and Alev Kelter, who had not featured in either overseas competitions (Spain and Dubai), also scored. Heavirland kicked three more conversions to lead the field with 25 points across two games.
Mexico, which replaced a last-minute withdrawal from Kenya, dropped its first two matches: 76-0 to Great Britain and 29-10 to Jamaica.
On Saturday, the competition opens up to the public, which will fill Dignity Health Sports Complex to watch their teams before the Olympics. The USA plays Mexico at 12 p.m. PDT and Great Britain at 3:10 p.m., and should feature in the championship at 5:50 p.m.
Watch all the action live on LA Sevens Rugby on Facebook.