Photo: Cassie Bishop
The final game of Women’s Premier League (WPL) season held weight, as New York and Beantown battled each other for the final championship semifinal spot at nationals. The anticipation built as weather forced a pitch relocation and kickoff delay, but after a tight first half, New York banked a 32-12 win and berth to the semifinals this Friday.
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“Everyone was pumped,” New York head coach Tiffany Faaee said of the team vibe heading into the match. “We knew Beantown wanted the game, but we wanted it as well. I think that changed the focus a bit. Beantown had nothing to lose and everything to gain, so it was a matter of us showing up and keeping that intensity up for 80 minutes.”
New York built a 10-point lead after 30 minutes, as scrumhalf Gianna Solomon and wing Frankie Sands dotted down. But then Beantown overtook the lead as inside center Rosanna Wright and flyhalf Tatjana Toeldte scored. Toeldte kicked the conversion and deployed an effective kicking game that tested New York’s back three.
“Beantown is really physical, especially in the ruck area, but yesterday they added that kicking game and we weren’t expecting that,” Faaee said. “It was smart play and credit to them for threatening in our 22.”
New York regrouped at halftime and was able to sync better in the second half.
“In the first half, we had a lot of errors – knocking the ball on – and it took a minute to find our flow. We were playing flat, which was playing into Beantown’s defense,” Faaee said. “We were working to be forceful in the ruck, forcing them to commit, but we weren’t capitalizing on that and moving the ball into space. So we talked about that at halftime and in the second half we were able to move the ball wide and into space.”
Backs Briana Yerbury (2) and Sarah Levy, as well as No. 8 Chloe Jex added second-half tries, while flyhalf Nikki Richardson added a conversion in the 32-12 win.
Faaee praised the team’s ability to remain calm during the first half and make the necessary adjustments after halftime to produce the victory. The coach was also pleased to see the team play more instinctually as phase play evolved, rather than overthinking options. It was a good experience to have a week out from nationals.
Faaee did note that the team had to push its defensive line speed, especially against a team like Life West, which awaits in Friday’s semifinals. The Gladiatrix have a deep attack and time on the ball, and New York will need to apply a lot of pressure there to contend Friday.
“To be fair, they’re excited for the challenge,” Faaee looked ahead. “We treat every game like it’s a final, and anything can happen. My language in rugby is always: Walk off the pitch knowing you gave it everything. The score will be the score. If we focus one phase at a time, that’s all we’re asking for. Go on with belief and that support, and walk off knowing you emptied the tank.”
New York will still be without co-captain Justina DeBruzzi, who has been injured since the first Atlanta game but has remained active on the sidelines. Jenn Salomon will continue in the role as captain, while Alycia Washington will be the major voice and presence in the forwards. The pack has also regained Gio Cruz, who is back to form and a major contributor around the park.
The halfbacks are on the newer side, and Solomon and Richardson will be playing in their first WPL championship this week.
“It was a huge ask moving to 9, but Gia’s learning every game and has been very consistent for us,” Faaee said of learning the position at the WPL level. “She’s a hard worker and a strong defender, and very coachable.
“Nikki’s been with us since last year and I coached her in the spring,” the coach added. “She’s coming into her own, and like everyone, it’s just getting used to playing at this level and keeping up with the pace and physicality. I’m excited for her to showcase her skill and ability, and to use the forward pack around her and put the ball into space.”
New York and Life West will play their championship semifinal at 3:30 p.m. MT. Beantown will face the West’s 3rd-place team, Berkeley, in the 5th place semifinal. Stay tuned for more info and previews ahead of nationals.