May 18, 2017
USA Women’s Eagles Sevens Squad for Canada Sevens
Photo: Michael Lee – KLC fotos
Doug Coil
USA Women’s Eagles Sevens Head Coach Richie Walker has made five changes to the sixth-ranked squad on the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series for the HSBC Canada Sevens on May 27-28.
The Women Eagles Sevens will be in Pool A with England, the Netherlands and New Zealand with the tournament available live in the United States on The Rugby Channel.
Four athletes have been selected for all five legs of the Series. Captain Alev Kelter, Naya Tapper, the team’s leading point leader and try scorer, Joanne Fa’avesi and Nicole Heavirland. Kelly Griffin, Kelsi Stockert and Kristen Thomas have also retained their spots.
Olympians Jessica Javelet and Richelle Stephens will make their first season appearance with the team, while Mata Hingano, who played for the AIG Women’s Junior All-Americans, will debut for the Eagles Sevens. Cheta Emba and Kate Zachary also return from injuries.
The Eagles begin play at Lagford four points behind 5th place Russia and eight points behind 4th place Fiji and kick off play against England on Saturday, May 27, as 1:30pm ET. They then play New Zealand at 4:36 p.m. ET and conclude pool play against the Netherlands at 6:58 pm ET.
Women’s Eagles Sevens – HSBC Canada Sevens
1. Cheta Emba 2. Kristen Thomas 3. Kate Zackary 4. Nicole Heavirland 5. Richelle Stephens 6. Alev Kelter(C) 7. Naya Tapper 8. Kelly Griffin 9. Kelsi Stockert 10. Joanne Fa’avesi 11. Mata Hingano 12. Jessica Javelet
Women’s Eagles Sevens | HSBC Canada Sevens
v. England – Saturday, May 27 @ 1:30 p.m. ET
v. New Zealand – Saturday, May 27 @ 4:36 p.m. ET
v. Netherlands – Saturday, May 27 @ 6:58 p.m. ET
