This article will update as online resources update … the East Conference games are on Sunday so their rosters won’t post until Saturday
Glendale has posted its roster for Saturday’s game against Berkeley in NorCal. There are two prominent characteristics: 1. Seven of the eight forwards are making their third-straight start of the season, in the same positions. 2. Five high-profile players will potentially make their first appearance for the Merlins.
As to the first point, only second row Charlotte Thompson doesn’t fit that criteria, as Joanna McElroy started at lock in game one against Life West. Nevertheless, Saturday’s pack will bring consistency, a valuable commodity on the road. There’s been more movement in the backs, but captain and flyhalf Gabby Cantorna, outside center Juliann Tordonato and fullback Madison Slaught are making their third start.
As to the second point, there are three Class of 2019 graduates making their debuts in the WPL: Harvard’s Jenny Kronish and Akweley Okine, and Lindenwood’s McKenzie Hawkins. All are All-Americans and Hawkins is a 15s Eagle. All three feature in the reserves, as does Paige Stathopoulos, who has been playing with DI Boston, Northeast Academy and USA Falcons. Finally, Eagle Kaitlyn Broughton, who spent five years in Atlanta with Life University and the Harlequins, is a now a Merlin and gets the start at wing.
Berkeley has nearly the same lineup as last week, but Abby Vogel gets the start over Jordan Taylor in the front row. Flankers Christina Ramos and Tonya Wessman switch sides of the scrum, and the back line remains intact.
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San Diego has shuffled its back line a bit, as Liz Trujillo gets the start at scrumhalf and pairs with Ashlee Byrge at 10. Megan Foster drops back to fullback while Teigan MacDonald steps into the centers. Kate Herren is the new face and debuts at flanker (6). The Naval Academy grad is a crossover athlete in the USA 7s pool and one of several Surfers in the military (Jamila Reinhardt, Trujillo, Byrge, Talia Carrasquillo).
Life West is traveling with a familiar roster and sees Elizabeth Cairns back on the pitch after a week off against Berkeley. Ally Day gets her first start at outside center, as does Angelina Loma at wing. The only newcomer is found in the reserves: Miyako Manoa, who is a front row option.