OTTAWA - Thursday's first match of the Women's Junior All-American Can-Am Series produced quality rugby from both sides but Canada found a way to convert more of its possession into points in the fixture.
In the first half, there were strong carries from No. 8 Adi Finau Tamaivena, and Emily Henrich paired with big hits and physical ruck contests to keep things close. Canada's second half was just as strong as their first, ending the match with a total of 45 points. The WJAAs seemed to find their stride late second half, with tries produced from quick ball movement and injections of pace by full back Lilly Durbin and wing Kainoawaianuhea Ah Quin. Head Coach Wil Snape commented on some of the lapses in match one as well as goals for tomorrow's final game.
"We allowed Canada to dominate the gain line and that's just not acceptable,' said Snape. "Positioning and aggression on defense have been our focus the past few days and it will be key. We expect the players to take the fight to Canada in everything we do. If we look after our own possession, we can be a really dangerous side.'
The WJAAs take the University of Ottawa's Gee Gee's Field at 11:00 a.m. ET looking to bring their Can-Am Series to a 1-1 draw. The match will be streamed live and can be viewed on Rugby Canada's Facebook page.
AIG Women's Junior All-Americans | Can-Am Series Match #2
1. Kristina Tomelloso
2. Hannah Lewandowski
3. Annie Rolf
4. Milla Anderson (VC)
5. Taylor Makowski
6. Edna Manoa
7. Michel Navarro
8. Adi Finau Tamaivena
9. Kat Ramage
10. Bayleigh Gable
11. Kainoawaianuhea Ah Quin
12. Suiluana A'au (C)
13. Emily Henrich
14. Becca Jane Rosko
15. Lilly Durbin
16. Jade Garcia
17. Michele Reyes
18. Natalie Gray
19. Joanna Moreira
20. Mary-Jane Pasioles
21. Olivia Ortiz
22. Caitlin Weigel
23. Alexandra Strasser
AIG Women's Junior All-Americans | Coaching Staff
Wil Snape - Head Coach
Kitt Ruiz - Assistant Coach
Katie Dowty - Assistant Coach
Annemarie Farrell - Manager
Katherine Henry - Physiotherapist
Kaylee Howard - Manager
Diane Watanabe - Physiotherapist
Terrance Cronin - MD
Craig Wilson - Videoanalyst
Rich Humm - Coach Advisor
