USA Rugby Release – Photo Travis Prior
Alena Olsen replaces Nia Toliver as the USA Women’s Sevens compete in Fast Four Edmonton, a four-team invitational held alongside the men’s HSBC Canada Sevens. Competition runs Saturday, September 24 to Sunday, September 25 at Commonwealth Stadium.
Comments from Director of Women’s High Performance Emilie Bydwell:
“We are really excited to turn around and have another opportunity to develop and compete this weekend. After reviewing the weekend, we have identified some areas where we can be more dominant and assert ourselves in order for the players to express themselves and play to their strengths. We will take this tournament game by game, and leverage each opportunity to build our connection, refine our game plan and learn how to manage and control momentum.”
Edmonton Fast Four Roster: 1. Sui A’au, Prop / Center, Uncapped 2. Lauren Thunen, Prop, 1, 3. Salote Tausinga, Prop / Center, Uncapped 4. Summer Harris Jones, Prop / Hooker, Uncapped 5. Alena Olsen, Scrumhalf/Fly Half, 3 6. Sarah Levy, Center, Uncapped 7. Stephanie Rovetti, Flyhalf/Wing, 6 8. Jazmine Gray, Wing, Uncapped 9. Nana Fa’avesi (C) Hooker/Scrumhalf, 18 10. Kayla Canett, Halfback/Flyhalf, 10 11. Rachel Strasdas, Hooker, Uncapped 12. Spiff Sedrick, Halfback/Flyhalf,Uncapped13. Emily Fulbrook, Prop / Hooker, Uncapped
USA Women’s Sevens Traveling Staff
Director of Women’s High Performance | Emilie Bydwell
Strength & Conditioning | Joshua Schnell
Athletic Trainer | Hilary Stepansky
Vancouver Fast Four Recap
The USA Women finished second in Vancouver after a 3-2 run saw them lose to only Great Britain. Five players made their first appearance with the senior national team in a series of physical and exciting matches.
In two tight encounters with hosts Canada, the United States dominated with great connectivity in attack, powerful runs and strong defensive foundations. Mexico struggled to keep up with the energy of the group while Great Britain posed the greatest threat having brought a number of their stand out Olympic athletes. Despite the disappointment of falling to GB, the Eagles Sevens have now had a week to build on their cohesion and polish their execution as the weekend approaches.
Fast Four Vancouver Highlights
Where to Watch
Peacock TV in the United States.
Scores and Information
Updates are published on @USARugby’s Twitter news feed and Instagram Story in real time. Results and matchups are also available here.
Edmonton Fast Four Schedule
vs Canada | 11:00 AM ET
vs Mexico | 2:11 PM ET
vs Great Britain | 5:44 PM ET
Knockouts begin at 1:42 PM ET on Sunday, September 25.
