The USA Women’s Rugby Sevens Team defeated China 33-14 in a 5th place semifinal The other 5th place semifinal has ROC (Russian Olympic Committee) losing to Australia 35-7.
The USA Women ended its Olympic medal hopes after a 21-12 loss to Great Britain in the Quarterfinals. China, who the USA beat 28-14 in their opening Pool C match, lost 24-10 in the quarterfinals to France.
China has proved to be a formidable opponent during these Olympic Games. They are a disciplined team and their losses to Core HSBC World Sevens Series teams have been by two tries. The USA Women will need to move on from its last match and focus on showing their teamwork and pride that has been evident for some time with these fine athletes.
Recap
The opening restart by Alev Kelter bounced with Kris Thomas gathering for a quick try. Nicole Heavirland added the extras to lead 7-0. Thomas added a 95-meter try with Heavirland converting again, 14-0.
China struck back with a grub ahead by Tang Minglin, who then grounded with Chen Keji adding the extras, 14-7.
Following a yellow card by Gu Yaoyao, Jordan Matyas had a break and the ball moved to Naya Tapper for Team USA’s third try. Hevirland converted again to lead 21-7 at the break.
China struck first in the second half with a chip and chase try and conversion by Chen Keji, 21-14.
Ilona Maher added two tries with Heavirland converting the latter for a final score of 33-14.
The USA will meet Australia in the 5th place Final, while China faces ROC (Russian Olympic Committee) for 7th place.
Squads + QF & Pool Recaps vs Australia; China & Japan
USA: 1 Cheta Emba 2 Ilona Maher 3 Abby Gustaitis (co-captain) 4 Nicole Heavirland 5 Alev Kelter 6 Lauren Doyle 7 Naya Tapper 8 Jordan Matyas 9 Ariana Ramsey 10 Kayla Canett-Oca 11 Kristen Thomas (co-captain) 12 Kristi Kirshe 13 Nia Toliver (13th player), Kasey McCravey (traveling reserve), Nana Fa’avesi (traveling reserve)
China: 1 Yang Min (captain) 2 Yan Meiling 3 Tang Minglin 4 Wu Juan 5 Yu Xiaoming 6 Wang Wanyu 7 Chen Keyi 8 Liu Xiaoqian 9 Yang Feifei 10 Gu Yaoyao 11 Xu Xiaoyan 12 Ruan Hongting 13 Yu Liping
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