USA Women’s Sevens Gain Bronze at Canada Sevens

The USA Women’s Eagles Sevens lost to World Cup Champions New Zealand 26-12 in the Cup Semifinals.

New Zealand’s Michaela Blyde scored on the opening possession after Alev Kelter received a red card for a dangerous tackle.

With Kelter out for the game, the Eagles Sevens faced a challenge of covering the Balck Ferns relentless style of play. The United States pressured New Zealand defensively, but the Black Ferns won a breakdown and moved the ball wide for a try in the corner, 0-12.

The USA claimed the restart with Naya Tapper motoring down the wide channel for a try, New Zealand answered back with another try prior to the half for a 17-5 lead.

In the final two minutes, New Zealand scored another try in the corner, which was matched by a try from Kristi Kirshe, who received the ball after a scrum for a try, to cut the final to 26-12.

The match was a physical one between two of the leading teams on the circuit. Alev Kelter scored the first try just prior tot he break for a 7-0 lead.

The United States swept pool play for the second time this season, after earning their third pool win against beating France 12-0. Previously, the U.S. won against Spain and Fiji in their first two matches.

The team lost Jordan Matyas (upper body) and Meya Bizer (lower body) to tournament-ending injuries during the first two matches. They then survived a yellow card during the match but were resilient in the win.

Head Coach Chris Brown indicated “I’m pleased with our second half performances as we stayed in the fight. Ilona’s try-saving tackle two minutes from full time with only six players on the pitch sums up how much this group means to each other and how strongly we believe in what we’re doing.”

“As for tomorrow, we need to get excited about the ruck zone. At times today, we were hesitant in cleaning our ball. We have to do the right thing for the team and let the ball go to the best channels. Keeping seven players on the pitch at all times is non-negotiable.”

The USA took advantage of two early penalties by France with Kristi Kirshe receiving the ball on the wing for the first score and a 7-0 lead. Then Fa’avesi ran down the right flank for a try under the posts, 12-0.

In the second half, the USA defense was the key, especially after Alev Kelter’s yellow card. The team’s defense continued to be strong and fought off several attacks by France for the win.

The USA Women’s Eagles Sevens defeated Fiji 28-7 to notch their second straight win in Pool C at HSBC Canada Sevens 2019.

The USA Women struck first from a try by Naya Tapper and then conceded a try by Fiji on the wide channel to level the match at 7 all.

Fiji committed a penalty in the final minute and Kristi Kirshe offloaded to Alev Kelter for a try and a 14-7 lead at the break.

The USA overcame a 12-0 deficit at the break to win 21-12 over Spain to open the HSBC Canada Sevens in Langford.

Spain scored two early tries, one in the opening minutes and another from the USA offload that was intercepted by Elisabet Martinez for a try to lead 12-0.

During the second half, the USA staged a comeback with Kristi Kirshe intercept for a try. Nicole Heavirland added another to take a 14-12 lead. Alev Kelter added a third for aa 21-12 win.