Ava Procter was one of several Atlantis players who helped the Red Shirts last year in Vegas
More than 200 teams are heading to the first Los Angeles Invitational 7s (LAI 7s), the amateur tournament that runs alongside the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in southern California. The Girls U18 Elite division is light at four teams, but the field will be dense with talent. Atlantis is the reigning North American High School 7s champion and bringing a solid squad.
Related: LAI 7s preview: girls’ and women’s divisions
Atlantis did not attend the Las Vegas Invitational 7s – the predecessor to the LAI 7s – last year, but there was a lot of player and staff crossover on the U18 Elite-winning Redshirts. After a busy, productive 2019, Josie Ziluca is back as the Atlantis U18 head coach and has selected 12 players from Pennsylvania to California to represent the teal jersey in Los Angeles.
“[There are] lots of players with solid experience, many eager to play at the next level, and a few out to prove their caliber for the team,” Ziluca reviewed the squad. “This will be an exciting, versatile team eager to work hard throughout every minute of every game.”
PK Vincze during last year’s LVI, the LAI 7s predecessor
Seven players recently represented the Girls High School All-Americans (#) against the Canada U18s during the December Winter Camp. Another three players were selected after performing well at the Atlantis SoCal Talent ID camp held earlier this month.
ATLANTIS U18 @ LAI 7s
Jennilyn Aquina – Mira Mesa, Calif. *
Abby Fearey – Rancho Bernardo, Calif. #
Noelle Inverso – La Costa Canyon, Calif. *
Sophia Linder – Doylestown, Pa. #
Nina Mason – Doylestown, Pa. #
Tiahna Padilla – Fallbrook, Calif.
Ava Procter – Lake Oswego, Ore. #
Danielle Sileo – Rancho Bernardo, Calif. *
Rena Tinoisamoa – Mission Vista, Calif. #
Alex Wantlin – Wellington, Fla.
PK Vincze – Summit, Colo. #
STAFF
Manager – Diane Ramage
On-site Manager – Katrinka Blunt
At the time of print, only Carson Colts, Rhinos Rugby Academy and Rock Rugby Academy had committed to the tournament on Feb. 28-29. The Rugby Breakdown will be on site for full coverage.