The USA Women's 7s National Team went three for three to open Madrid Sevens. More than year since their last international event, the United States displayed its cohesion against a number of thrilling runs to dominate Poland, Kenya and Spain.
American International College's Nia Toliver scored in every game while Central Washington's Sui A'au had her own from the bench. The Eagles Sevens did well to spread the ball around the pitch, showing each player's unique individual role in bringing the collective together for a victorious first day.
Tomorrow, the USA Women's Sevens face Russia and France before seedings are decided for the fifth, third and championship matches. All games are streamed LIVE on florugby.com.
Head Coach Chris Brown said:
"Some good reminders for us all what a day in the life of a sevens player is. When we play with joy and work hard off the ball early we started to see some beautiful touches. We need to get a lot more of that back-to-back tomorrow so we can move forward and focus more on enhancing the tactical aspects of our play rather than still being stuck at times on the foundation.'
USA vs Poland | 40-0 (W)
The United States was on point from start to finish as Poland struggled to make anything happen on both sides of the ball. AIC’s Nia Toliver was bursting with speed while Cheta Emba showed her own grit for two tries, one from an impressive grubber that Poland was not ready to handle. All 14 minutes were filled with punishing offensive displays by the U.S.
Tries | Cheta Emba (2), Lauren Doyle, Nia Toliver (2), Kris Thomas
Cons | Nicole Heavirland (2), Cheta Emba (2), Kasey McCravey
USA vs Kenya | 29-5 (W)
The USA moved quickly to put points on the board but Kenya proved to be a more formidable opponent as the game progressed. While the Eagles Sevens were largely dominant on possession, Kenya’s defense stepped up at the goal line. Scattered penalties added stoppages to the game forcing the USA to work harder in the closing minutes. Nia Toliver was again impressive while Kristi Kirshe added a number of powerful runs to the mix.
Tries | Nia Toliver (2), Lauren Doyle, Abby Gustaitis, Kristi Kirshe
Cons | Nicole Heavirland (2)
USA vs Spain | 36-0 (W)
Spain were no match for a vibrant U.S. side. Nia Toliver scored the opening points for the second game in a row, leading the Eagles Sevens into a scoring-spree that lasted the bulk of the game. Sharp and collected, the United States continued to power past Spain with their direct attack and momentous runs.
Tries | Nia Toliver, Kris Thomas, Kristi Kirshe, Sui A'au, Stephanie Rovetti
Cons | Nicole Heavirland, Kayla Canett
USA Women’s Sevens Roster
| PLAYER NAME | POSITION | HSBC TOURNAMENTS |
| Sui A’au | Prop | uncapped |
| Lauren Doyle | Flyhalf/Wing | 30 |
| Cheta Emba | Prop/Wing | 16 |
| Abby Gustaitis | Prop/Hooker | 12 |
| Nicole Heavirland | Hooker/Scrumhalf | 24 |
| Kristi Kirshe | Center/Wing | 8 |
| Ilona Maher | Center/prop | 12 |
| Kayla Canett | Scrumhalf/Flyhalf | 10 |
| Kasey McCravey | Hooker/Flyhalf | 4 |
| Alena Olsen | Scrumhalf/Flyhalf | 3 |
| Kristen Thomas | Hooker/Center | 26 |
| Nia Toliver | Prop/Wing | uncapped |
Reserves
| PLAYER NAME | POSITION | HSBC TOURNAMENTS |
| 13. Stephanie Rovetti | Flyhalf/Wing | 6 |
| 14. Naya Tapper | Wing/Prop | 21 |
| 15. Nana Fa’avesi | Scrumhalf | 19 |
| 16. Jazmine Gray | Wing | uncapped |
USA Women’s Sevens Staff
Head Coach | Chris Brown
Strength & Conditioning | Matt Long
Athletic Trainer | Nicole Titmas
Team Manager | Liz Strohecker
Madrid Sevens Women’s Schedule (for USA)
- Feb 20
vs Poland | 40-0 (W)
vs Kenya | 29-5 (W)
vs Spain | 36-0 (W)
- Feb 21
vs Russia | 4:44 AM ET
vs France | 7:50 AM ET
5th Place | 10:34 AM ET
3rd Place | 10:56 AM ET
Final | 11:40 AM ET
Watch LIVE on florugby.com
