Hometeam USA Women finish in 4th at HSBC Sevens World Championship

The USA Women's Eagles Sevens ran out in front of an enthusiastic home crowd at the HSBC SVNS World Championships to seal a 4th Place finish at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles, CA.

The home side was charged by an energetic crowd throughout the event all the way into the Bronze medal match against Canada. However even the extra energy fell just short of securing the medal despite a hard fought effort capping off the USA Women’s season with an overall 6th place ranking for the 2024 - 2025 series.

Head Coach, Emilie Bydwell was proud of her team’s performance and commented; “This season has had so many different elements. We’ve had some amazing highs, we’ve had some hard periods. Three tournaments in, we realized that part of that hard learning is about our team understanding how hard it is to win on the series. However coming off the back of Hong Kong and Singapore we really felt like we needed to reclaim our identity as Highwomen, so our goals coming into this tournament was about embodying our values on the field and inspiring the community. I really feel like we did that this weekend.”

Captain Kristi Kirshe added, “We’re starting a whole new cycle and have a whole new program. We had so many debutants this season so it really was a building year for us, it was what we’re calling a foundation year. A big part of the learning experience is those highs and lows, I think we’re in a really good place to have a lot to fight for over the next few years.”

The Eagles kicked off pool play in an electric display ignited early by Sammy Sullivan taking a quick tap and sprinting down the field to secure the opening try against France. The momentum continued as Ariana Ramsey showcased her speed and agility, adding a second score. A late first-half try from their rivals, did not phase the Women’s Eagles as they maintained their composure throughout. A big defensive play by Nia Toliver executing a brilliant counter-ruck to force a knock-on and win back possession and set the tone of the rest of the proceedings. The final highlight moment was a debut for Ashley Cowdrey, who with just a minute remaining, executed a stunning one-handed out-the-back pass to the always formidable Ariana Ramsey, who finished off the play to clinch a decisive victory for the USA.

The second pool match was a tougher encounter against Australia. Despite the Wallaroos running in two early tries, the Eagles responded with resilience. Kristi Kirshe showcased her pace out wide, and touching down under the posts to bring the USA back into contention. A fantastic display of teamwork and quick hands relay from Su Adegoke to Sammy Sullivan, culminating in another try for Ariana Ramsey, leveled the score at halftime. Though, Australia regained the lead after the restart, and a yellow card for Ramsey stretched the US defense, allowing Australia to extend their advantage. In their final pool match against Fiji, the USA Women demonstrated their ability to capitalize and took advantage of an early Fijian yellow card. Ariana Ramsey once again put her pace on display intercepting a Fijian pass and sprinting clear to put the first points on the board. Nia Toliver continued the momentum, powering over the line for a try. The dynamic duo then then added another five points each, Ramsey again followed swiftly by Toliver, to secure their second tries of the match. Although Fiji found their rhythm in the final minutes, scoring three quick tries, Su Adegoke sealed the victory with a try right before the final buzzer and kept the USA win secure.

The Eagles' strong performance in the pool stages earned them the targeted spot in the Cup semi-final against top-ranked New Zealand. The Americans started strong, with Sarah Levy breaking away and offloading to Ramsey. However, New Zealand regrouped and defensively began the push back. Despite intense pressure on the New Zealand offense, which resulted in a turnover, the Black Ferns managed to break through with Georgia Miller running a switch line to score the first try. New Zealand carried their momentum into the second half, scoring two more tries. Showing their fight and found forward play initiated by a long kick from Sammy Sullivan, collected by Su Adegoke, and ultimately finding Nia Toliver, who powered across the line to put points on the board for the Americans

The Bronze medal match had more to play for with bragging rights also on the line in a North American Derby. The Americans kicked off to chanting U-S-A crowds looking to add the extra support for the home team. A well executed line out, goes into the hands of Sariah Ibarra who flies through the Canadian defensive line and lights up the scoreboard. Ibarra’s enthusiasm goes awry defensively, awarding her a yellow card for going off her feet. Canada takes advantage of the overlap and finds space on the wings to dot down two tries. Canada bullies over for a third try just at the end of the first half. Canada ran in a try after the restart and looked for more forward momentum but the American defense put in a strong effort until a small missed step gave Canada space to squeeze in another score.

Emilie Bydwell | Head Coach

Zack Test | Assistant Coach

Trey Ford | Head of Athletic Performance

Nicole Titmas | Manager of Medical Services; Head Athletic Trainer

Peter Haberl | Sport Psychologist

Liz Strohecker | Head of Operations – Sevens

USA vs France | 21-5 (W)

Tries: S. Sullivan, A. Ramsey (2)

Conv: K. Canett (2), A. Cowdrey

USA vs Australia | 12 - 33 (L)

Tries: K. Kirshe, A. Ramsey

Conv: K. Canett

USA vs Fiji | 31 - 19 (W)

Tries: A. Ramsey (2), N. Toliver (2), S. Adegoke

Conv: K. Canett (2), S. Ibarra

USA vs New Zealand | 7 - 34 (L)

Tries: N. Toliver

Conv: A. Cowdrey

USA v Canada | 7 -27 (L)

Tries: S. Ibarra

Conv: S. Ibarra