April 8, 2016
USA Women’s 7s Beat Spain To Open Atlanta 7s
Photo: USA Women’s Eagles 7s
Doug Coil
The USA Women’s Eagles 7s team took advantage of the home crowd support in defeating Spain in their opening match 24-0 at the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series, Atlanta Sevens. Not only was this a great beginning, but also was the first win for new head coach Richie Walker.
Jessica Javelet had the Eagles close to taking the lead with a dominant leg drive. Although this did not result in a try, the Eagles camped in Spain’s territory before Alev Kelter drew first blood with a try four minutes into the match. Bui Baravilala’s conversion was missed, but the Eagles had a 5-0 lead.
Lauren Doyle showed why she was missed, when she drew the defender in and sweep by her for a try. The Baravilala conversion was good. The eagles carried a 12-0 lead into halftime.
The second half began with Alve Kelter taking the ball and carrying three players who attempted to bring her down. This lead to offloads between Jessica Javalet and Lauren Doyle before Doyle touched down for her second try. Baravilala converted again and the USA lead 19-0.
Kristen Thomas only was on the pitch a short while before she contributed to the scoring with the Eagles fourth try. Eagles 24-0.
Would Lauren Doyle get a hat trick? She seemed on her way before a neck tackle resulted in a yellow card to Spain. The USA was not able to capitalize, but did display a dominant performance in winning 24-0 against Spain.
The USA will play Japan next at 5:04pm ET. The match is geoblocked in the USA, but the match is available on the new The Rugby Channel. Subscriptions are available.
Keep up with the Atlanta 7s action by viewing on by following the results at World Rugby. Results Twitter: Atlanta Sevens World Rugby Sevens
Women’s Eagles Sevens | HSBC Atlanta Sevens
1. Jillion Potter (C) 2. Megan Bonny 3. Kate Zackary 4. Meya Bizer 5. Ryan Carlyle 6. Nicole Heavirland 7. Alev Kelter 8. Bui Baravilala 9. Lauren Doyle 10. Richelle Stephens 11. Kristen Thomas 12. Jessica Javelet
USA Starters v Spain: Potter (c), Bonny, Carlyle, Kelter, Baravilala, Doyle, Javalet
Other Pool matches
v. Japan – Friday, April 8 @ 5:04 p.m. ET
v. New Zealand – Friday, April 8 @ 7:26 p.m. ET
