Lauren Doyle’s breakdown work set up USA Tries. / Photo: Alex Ho, hoiho.net
The USA ended the first day of Madrid 7s 3-0, finishing with a 36-0 win over host Spain. Russia (3-0) and France (2-1) await on day two, and then it’s the placing matches.
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The USA opened the day on defense, sending a clean kickoff to Spain. But after a couple of phases, Lauren Doyle, who always seems to be in the right spot, got over the tackle to draw a penalty. Nia Toliver and Nicole Heavirland teamed up for a run to the 5m, but then a penalty ended the drive. Spain kicked to touch for a lineout and Kristen Thomas nabbed the throw-in in the air. The ball moved to Toliver in space for the try, 5-0.
The USA did well to keep the subsequent restart, using a flying swat to put the ball in Americans’ hands, but a knock-on halted play. Spain went on the attack, but fortunately Doyle was feeling still feeling poachy and drew another penalty in the breakdown. The ball moved to Cheta Emba on the sideline and a well-time fend put the prop in the try zone, 10-0.
Spain panicked with the on-rushing restart defense and a knock-on set up a USA scrum. Kristi Kirshe took a poor pass off the ground and shook off two defenders who should have planted the center. Instead, the team’s third try followed and Heavirland kicked the extras for a 17-0 lead into the break.
The USA nearly had its fourth try if it wasn’t for a just-forward finishing pass from Emba to Heavirland. The error handed the a scrum to Spain inside its 22m. The hosts didn’t handle the defensive pressure well, resulting in a pass to an unintended receiver. Thomas was there for the quick recovery. After two attempts at the line, the team worked hands to to Sui A’au, who scored her first USA 7s try beneath the posts. Heavirland converted for the 24-0 lead.
A lovely Kasey McCravey restart followed and its beauty was matched by Abby Gustaitis’ aerial feats to retain the ball. The co-captain tapped the ball into the hands of Kirshe, then Steph Rovetti and Canett, who slyly side-stepped a defender to hit A’au. The final pass went to Thomas for the corner try, 29-0.
Spain had an opportunity to work the ball late in the game, as some untidy passes slowed the USA down, but a curious box kick and an ill-covered lineout hurt the hosts. From the set piece, the ball moved to Rovetti along the sideline for the sprint to the try zone and sixth try of the day. Canett converted for the 36-0 win.
USA 36
Tries: Toliver, Emba, Kirshe, A’au, Thomas, Rovetti
Cons: Heavirland 2, Canett
Spain 0
As an aside, Spain featured two players who competed with U.S. college teams: Teresa Bueso of Lindenwood and Maria Marin from Life University. Their alma maters are playing today in the DIA.