It has been more than a year since the USA Women’s 7s Team has faced an international opponent, and it was simply satisfying to see the Eagles running around the Madrid 7s pitch. The 40-0 victory Poland was a nice bonus, as was the introduction of a couple new caps.
Nicole Heavirland sent the first kickoff into air and co-captain Abby Gustaitis followed with a lovely take that set up debutant Nia Toliver’s first crash up the middle. When the ball found Cheta Emba, the prop spun out of contact and raced between the posts before converting her own try, 7-0.
The restart didn’t go 10 so the USA transitioned to defense and absolutely suppressed Poland’s attempts to gain ground. Ilona Maher was particularly strong all game and in the open field, but it was a solid team effort. Gustaitis broke up a pass and then scooped it off the ground to Lauren Doyle for 10m try, which Heavirland converted, 14-0.
The restart bounced over the 40 meter and Poland retained the ball, but a crunching tackle from Maher into touch set up the team’s first lineout. Co-captain Kristen Thomas took the throw-in cleanly and it worked wide to Toliver, who stalled her opposite and raced away for the first of two tries. Heavirland converted for the 21-0 lead.
The half ended with Poland’s best offensive series, as the Americans racked up some penalties. But the defense remained stout and the half ended with no points against: 21-0 into the break.
The second-half kickoff first found Emba before moving wide through the hands. The final quick pass from Heavirland to Toliver on the sideline put the wing away for a second try. As Heavirland converted (28-0), Kasey McCravey, Stephanie Rovetti and Kristi Kirshe came on.
McCravey’s restart didn’t go 10 but Poland didn’t have much time to do anything on offense, as Kirshe popped the ball loose in the tackle. Thomas was right there for the pickup and quickly sped downfield for the corner try, 33-0. Kayla Canett and new cap Sui A’au then took the pitch.
In the USA’s final attacking series, the ball moved to the sideline where there was plenty of coverage. Emba took the final pass and quickly grubbed through the defense, chased down her kick and scored near center. Emba added the conversion for the 40-0 final.
The game did end in the USA’s 22, as some misfires allowed Poland to build some momentum, but the defense was resolute and the game ended with a knock-on and a Canett kick to touch.
USA 40
Tries: Emba 2, Toliver 2, Doyle, Thomas
Cons: Emba 2, Heavirland 3
POLAND 0
The Eagles’ next match occurs at 8:28 a.m. EST against Kenya and the whole tournament will be live-streamed via FloRugby.com (which requires a subscription).
USA ROSTER
Sui A’au, Kayla Canett, Lauren Doyle, Cheta Emba, Abby Gustaitis (co-cpt), Nicole Heavirland, Kristi Kirshe, Ilona Maher, Kasey McCravey, Stephanie Rovetti, Kristen Thomas (co-cpt), Nia Toliver. (Reserve: Nana Fa’avesi)
USA SCHEDULE
All times Eastern
FEB 20
5:44 a.m. Poland
8:28 a.m. Kenya
10:56 a.m. Spain
FEB 21
4:44 a.m. Russia
7:50 a.m. France
10:34 a.m. 5th
10:56 a.m. 3rd
11:40 a.m. Final