Your Scrumhalf Connection

from USA Rugby:

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The women of the Northeast Rugby Union (NRU) won the Under-23 National All-Star Championship on Sunday at the University of California – Santa Barbara.

In the Tier 1 title game, NRU defeated the Midwest Thunderbirds 25-12. NRU scored within moments of the starting whistle in an attempt to put the Thunderbirds away early. A quick try in reply from the outstanding Thunderbird wing, Tyra McGrady, was not enough to stop the clinical NRU side, whose dangerous backline tormented the Midwest all day.

NRU scrumhalf, Alyssa Baccarella, contributed heavily to her side’s victory and her precise passing game allowed the Northeast to attack the Thunderbird defense effectively and often. For Baccarella’s efforts, she earned the title of the tournament’s Most Valuable Player by National Team selectors.

The Tier 2 final between the Pacific Coast Grizzlies and the USA Under-20s was so closely fought that two overtime periods were necessary to determine a winner. The Grizzlies gave the Eagles a physical game, but the national side squeaked out a win in the closing seconds of overtime as Eagle captain Katie Johnson crossed the line for a try. The game was a promotion match, so the Under-20s will move up to Tier 1 for next year’s competition.

In the Tier 1 consolation match, the West defeated the Mid-Atlantic (MARFU) women 37-18. The West will remain in Tier 1 next year, but MARFU will drop to Tier 2.

The SoCal Griffins took on the South in the Tier 2 consolation match, shutting out the Southern women 16-0.

Its time for the U23 NASCs in Santa Barbara, CA this weekend! The Senior NASCs was great with several upsets, maybe we will see the same with the U23s?

UPDATE: Both events will be streamed live online via www.UStream.tv, with the Men’s Collegiate All-Star Championships show on the USARugby channel and the Women’s Under-23s shown on the USARugbyII channel. I haven’t heard if USA Rugby will be Ustreaming these games, but YSC and The Girl will be there with the West U23s so we will try to video if USA Rugby doesn’t.

As always, stay up to date with scores here, on Facebook and Twitter.

See below for the schedule and each team’s roster.

Northeast
Amanda Cleary – UMass., Amherst
Rachel Sachs – Syracuse
Evan Hoese – Radcliffe
Jill Lipari – Hofstra
Nina Eskandari – Northeastern
Katie Matthews – Bowdoin
Alyssa Baccarella – MIT
Jessica Peterson – Marist
Ali Pappas – Wellesley
Caroline Hunting – MIT
Emily Erdman – Wellesley
Amber Coutermash – Southern Vermont
Alana Melton – Beantown
Teresa Skelly – UMass., Amherst
Mary Sung – Beantown
Amy Cheeseman – UMass., Amherst
Erika Granger – MIT
Elsbeth Paige-Jeffers – Bowdoin
Liz Kelly – Rutgers
Rachelle Calixte – Radcliffe
Meaghan Reddy – Beantown
Maddie Vara – Wellesley
Krissa Wiechmann – Vassar
Naomi Oberman-Breindel – Brown
Kelsey Whitney – UMass., Amherst

Coaching staff:
Tony Brown
Bryan Hamlin
Kate Orlin
Josh Chason

Midwest
Joanna Kitlinski Grand Valley State University (C)
Kayla Baron University of Northern Iowa
Morgan Johnson North Dakota State
Tiffany Gjestvang University of Minnesota-Duluth
Jackie Osborn University of Northern Iowa
Kayleigh Hitchcock Panther Women’s Club (Pittsburgh)
Gina DeFano Northern Illinois University
Caitlin Pixler University of Northern Iowa
Alexandria Jamison Michigan State University
Emily Cameron University of Northern Iowa
Caila Ney UW-Milwaukee
Theresa Trott UW Milwaukee
Becca Brown University of Northern Iowa
Brittany Houston UW-Milwaukee
Sarah Lipa U of Illinois
Mollie Martin UW-Milwaukee
Brittany Biedenbender At-Large
Chantell Boyd Grand Valley State University
Shannon Zweber University of Northern Iowa
Tyra McGrady Indiana University
Jackie Brown Illinois State University
Alisa Ly University of Minnesota
Michelle Wong University of Michigan
Melissa Lipa Northern Illinois University

Coaching Staff:
Steve Murra Head Coach
Sue Whitwell Assistant Coach/Forwards
Roger Riley Assistant Coach
Jennifer Murra Manager
Matt Rokes Trainer

MARFU
Bennett, Hannah Drexel University
Bigelow, Elaine Princeton University
Brown, Brittany Univ. of MD
Byrne, Allison Drexel University
Cavanaugh, Erica U. of Virginia
Compito, Monique Virginia Tech *Unavailable due to conflict
Dayton, Rachel Kutztown
Dunnaville, Chastity US Naval Academy
Feinour, Brianne West Chester Univ.
Gouws, Tanya Univ. of Maryland
Hutchinson, Melissa Harrisburg Women
Johnson, Cheryl West Chester Univ.
Koplow, Grace St. Mary’s College of MD
Kriebel, Madeline West Chester Univ.
Lamm, Megan West Chester Univ.
Lee, Ashley Virginia Tech
Lucas, Kristen James River Women
Miller, Laura St. Mary’s College of MD
Monroig, Natalie Shippensburg Univ.
Nelson, Shantel American Univ.
Otto, Megan West Chester Univ.
Rooney, Kaitlyn American Univ.
Somerdyk, Moira Temple Univ.
Trujilo, Elizabeth US Naval Academy
Walter, Molly Univ. of Mary Wash.
Winter, Lauren MD Exiles

USA U20s (holding a camp as well as playing in NASCs, they have a roster of 40 as a result)
Hailey Anderson Summit, CO
Akalaini Baravilala Aliamanu Blues
Star Bollinger Cougar Women’s Rugby
Alexis Bonny Washington State
Megan Bonny Washington State
Ann Marie Bowlus UC Santa Cruise
Cassidy Davis U of Central Florida
Catherine Eichhorn Maryville, TN
Alexandra Frazier Jupiter, FL
Chelsea Garber Brown
Jozy Gessner Colorado State
Mileka Grager Washington State
Ellyn Grantham Fallbrook, CA
Keelia Harker Cougar Women’s Rugby
Becky Holmes Omaha Women
Danielle Honeycutt Hoke, NC
Katie Johnson Hopkins, MN
Brianna Klein Brookfield, WI
Mackenzie Lewis Mesa State
Hannah Lockwood Oregon State
Jasmine Mailo Aliamanu Blues
ElizabethMcCracken Nova Women
Kyandrea McKnight U of Central Florida
Mai Nguyen Brown
Brittany O’Brien U of Rhode Island
Jane Paar Navy
Catherine Parkhill U of Minnesota
Samantha Pinson Fallbrook, CA
Megan Pinson Fallbrook, CA
Brittany Rose Unattached
Rachael Ryan Wyoming
Andee Samborski Redford, MI
Jennifer Sandifer Navy
Wendy Sherman Colorado State
Rebekah Siebach Cougar Women’s Rugby
Shannon Steele U of Central Florida
Amee Svatos Canby, OR
Alycia Washington U of Connecticut
Sequoia Watson Navy
Holly Zoeller U of North Carolina

Pacific
DeCarvalho, Juliana Mudhens
Esparza, Vanessa USU
Rich, Jessica USU
Ames, Pamela Sac State
Brookins, Laura OSU
Camacho, Martha (Zully) Cal
Chapman, Delaney UCD
Falk, Sarah WWU
Green-Mitchell, Siche UOregon
Greenspan, Jenn ORSU
Hamel, Brynn Seattle U
Lessman, Margaret Seattle U
Lewis, Jackie OSU
Miller, Mashawna (Mo) UCSanta Cruz
Morris, Kelly UCD
Munson, Nic Breakers
Pascual, Angelina UC Santa Clara
Reid, Arielle UOregon
Roselin, Lisa Sac State
Sanders, Megan Breakers
Scott, Claire UCD
Steele, Nicole UOregon
Terry, Kimberly UCD
Underwood, Mika WWU
Walentowski, Jena WWU
White, Liz UCD
Woolley, Shannon USU
Zier, Christina CWU

South
Ryan Carlyle, USC
Ashley Mitchell, UCF
Zoe Sanchez, UF
Kimber Rozier, UNC
Kate Daniels, UGA
Kendall Vaughn, FSU
Corrie Coates, FSU
Dana Meschisi, FSU
Samantha Lauring, Clemson
Mary Ann Reynolds, Auburn
Katie Lorenz, UNC
Danye O’Mahoney, Auburn
Carrie Moss, UNC
Martha Wood, UNC
Cary Trump, ECU
Kimbra Nicole Merchant, UNC
Wykia Kia Macon, FSU
Ashley Hogan Harmon, USC
Cattie King, UNC
Bridget Briere, Clemson
Madeline Wilbanks, Auburn
Amonae Dobbs Brown, UGA
Emily Chosewood, Parkview HS
Erin McCroskey, UTK

West
Nick James, Texas A&M
Katie Thompson, Airfoce
Rachel Chittum, Wyoming
Stephanie Furniss, Black Ice RFC
Julia Fortkort, University of Texas
Kayla Hammond, University of New Mexico
Kayla Kahahek, Texas A&M
Kara Davis, New Mexico State University
Jess Lucia, University of Colorado
Kat McLaughlin Colorado College Rugby
Kelley Storey, Texas A&M
Simone Lumsden, University of Texas
Rebekah Knappe, Colorado State University
Amber Glasrud, University of New Mexico
Sam Miller, Mesa State College
Tina Peterson, Kansas City Jazz RFC
Marissa Cohn, University of Colorado
Becca Wezensky, University of Colorado
Kandis Ruiz, Texas A&M
Autumn Murrill, University of Texas
Jade McLaughlin, University of New Mexico
Jess Garriott, University of Northern Colorado
KC Curl, Sam Houston University
Alex Davenport, Austin Valkyries RF
Bailey Johnson, Colorado State
Katie Metkus, University of Texas
Madison Williams, Colorado State University

Coaching Staff
Angie Cranmore – Head Coach
Traci Schmidtke – Forwards Coach
Wendy Young – Backs Coach

SoCal
Jenna Anderson (UC San Diego)
Julia Anderson (San Diego Surfers)
Tia Blythe (UCLA )
Anita Bradbury (Santa Monica WRC)
Chau Bui (UCLA)
Rachel Castillo (UCLA)
Sophia Chang (UCLA)
Wing-Sheung Chui (UCLA)
Madeline Cooper (Fullerton Youth Rugby)
Andrea Foote (UC Santa Barbara )
Crystal Haynes (Las Vegas WRC)
Carrissa Hsieh (UCLA)
Yadira Ibarra (Belmont Shore WRC)
Genevieve Ireland (Orca Rugby)
Jacqueline Johnson (UCLA)
Klara Macko (Tempe WRC)
Rebecca Mendoza (UCLA)
Maria Morrissette (UCLA)
Amy Naber (Tucson Lightning)
Ella Naber (Tucson Lightning)
Angelita Ochoa (UC San Diego)
Christina Ramos (UC Santa Barbara)
Katie Seibert (UCLA)
Kristine Sommer (UC Santa Barbara)
Cassandra Tong (UCLA)
Emily Van Gulik (Claremont Colleges)

The West U23 Local Area Union Tournament was this past weekend and it showcased the best of the best in the West Rugby Union. With only three unions participating this year, Texas Rugby Union (TRU), Eastern Rocky Rugby Football Union (ERRFU) and the Heart of America (HOA), the format was a bit different than in years past. Since this is mainly a selection venue, on Saturday all three teams played once and then on Sunday the West coaches split the teams up into motley sides. The West coaches in attendance were Angie Cranmore, Head Coach, Traci Schmitke, Fowards Coach and Wendy Young, Backs Coach.

The first match of the day on Saturday featured the hosts Texas against ERRFU. This match was very intense and incredibly close the whole 80 minutes. The ERRFU pack was incredibly mobile and Texas struggled with tackling and rucking in the beginning of the match. ERRFU was able to take advantage of this early in the match and put five points on the board. Katie Thompson, Rachel Ryan and Becca Knappe from ERRFU were unstoppable off the edge of the fringe, gaining meters on every run. During the second half the Texas backs, Kandis Ruiz, Autumn Murrill, KC Curl and Alex Davenport began to get clean ball and they showed their speed and evasive running to put 5 points on the board. Texas was able to hold ERRFU back from opening the gates and the score ended ERRFU 15 Texas 5. View the video below, or go here.

Texas Rugby Union vs Eastern Rocky Rugby Football Union – West U23 LAU Tournament from Scrumhalf Connection on Vimeo.

The second match of the day pitted the Heart of America vs the Eastern Rocky Rugby Football Union. ERRFU brought the most players of all the teams, so we got to see some fresh faces in this match. ERRFU scored very quickly at the beginning of the match off of a driving maul. But HOA had some great forward support and they were able to steal ERRFU ball and capitalize on it themselves. Towards the end of the first half, HOA’s inside center, Cari Squires, cherry picked a pass and 80 meters later put HOA on the board. HOA was able to put another score on the board in the second half, but ERRFU continued to score as well with three tries in the corner from Emma Parenteau to bring the final score to ERRFU 22 HOA 10. View the video below, or go here.

Heart of America vs Eastern Rocky Rugby Football Union – West U23 LAU Tournament from Scrumhalf Connection on Vimeo.

The last game on Saturday was voted as the match of the day by all. HOA took on Texas for a nail biter of a match. HOA got off to a quick start with two tries from Cari Squires and at half time the score was HOA 26 Texas 0. Texas finally responded at the start of the second half with big hits, runs and scores. The Texas backs were able to get fast ball often and were passing well and this resulted in several tries in a row. Not to be undone, the Texas forwards played smart in the red zone and were able to dot a few tries down as well. The final score of this match was Texas 51 HOA 26. Unfortunately the battery ran out in the camera and this game was not filmed.

Overall the weekend was a success and the level of rugby was the highest seen in the West in quite some time. With 81 girls attending, the West coaches will have a chore choosing players to bring to the Invitational only tryouts in late April or early May. After that the West coaches will need to pick the best 28 players to attend the 2010 National All Star Championships in June.

Hello,

It’s that time of the year to start thinking about spring rugby and the Texas Rugby Union (TRU) Under-23 Women’s Select Side Rugby Team.

Here are some FAQs:
What is the team? It is a group of players selected from women’s club, collegiate, and high school teams across Texas who want to have fun and learn more about rugby. This team also acts as a step toward making the West Under-23 Women’s Select Side Team. If you are interested in the West U-23 team, please fill out the attached form and turn it in at the tryouts.

Who is eligible for the team?
Players must by 22 years of age or younger on January 1, 2010 to be selected.

When are tryouts?
Tryouts will be held at the UT IM Fields (Located on the southeast corner of 51st and Guadalupe Streets) in Austin, Texas on January 30 and 31, 2010. This event is a 2 day tryout with Saturday running from 9 am to 4 pm and Sunday running from 9 am to 1 pm. The cost of the tryout is $10/player. Directions are at the following link – http://www.utrugby.com/resources/directions.htm.

Who should tryout?
EVERYONE!! We want as many people to tryout as possible. (Women’s club, college and high school players)

How many players are selected?
28 players will be selected for the team.

What is the commitment level?
Players must commit to tryouts (see above) and if selected, they need to commit to
- Warm-up Weekend in Austin, TX (Saturday, Feb 27 in the evening and Sunday, Feb 28 morning and afternoon) and
- LAU Under-23 Tournament in Austin, TX (Friday, March 5 – Sunday, March 7).

Why should I tryout for the team?
1) You are guaranteed to have fun
2) You’ll learn more about rugby
3) You’ll meet and play with girls from all over the state
4) The tournament is in TEXAS!!

Who should I contact about coming to tryouts or questions? Please email me (Traci Schmidtke) if you plan to attend tryouts or if your team is attending (the total number of players) and if you have any questions/concerns.

Hope to see you there!!

Traci Schmidtke
Head Coach, TRU U-23 Women’s Team

Update 8/31/2009: Full results including the Tournament Writeup and Archived Videos are available here.

Welcome to New York!
On behalf of Metropolitan New York Rugby Union’s Host Committee, I am happy to welcome USA Rugby and its All Star Sevens Tournament to New York. This website will be the central resource for information before, during and after the tournament.

The competition will be held on new high-quality artificial turf fields on Randall’s Island. We worked with New York City government to ensure these and other fields fit regulation rugby dimensions, markings and goal posts. Both the match field and a warm-up field are dedicated to the tournament all day on Saturday August 29 and Sunday 30th, and one field is available for practice from 1-6pm both Thursday August 27 and Friday August 28th. There will also be a charity rugby match between the New York City Fire Department and the New York City Police Department on Saturday on an adjacent field. Information about the facilities is posted here.

There will be bleachers, tents, portajohns, food service, a videotaping service and medical professionals on call at the tournament site
Travel Arrangements
We have reserved blocks of hotel rooms at the Marriott East Side, located at Lexington Avenue at 51st Street in Manhattan, and at the Fitzpatrick Hotels at East 44th Street and East 57th Street. Details and discount codes are located here.

We plan to update this website with results from the tournament, to use Facebook and Twitter to keep participants who subscribe up to date on the results and on social events. We will be issuing all the usual publicity to media outlets in the area.

Welcome to New York, we hope you enjoy your visit and look forward to hosting USA Rugby and its All Stars in future.

This week we have another video from Lisa with Put me in Coach! It is a highlight reel from the MARFU vs NRU match at U23 NASCs in Pittsburgh. YSC was on location and reporting live from the U23 NASC tournament.

Other Rugby Video Mondays:
6/15/2009: West Scrum Try & a Highlight Reel of MARFU vs NRU from U23 NASCs
6/8/2009: Philadelphia Gets Dirty…
5/25/2009: Sweden vs Spain Highlights – 2010 Rugby World Cup Qualifier
5/18/2009: Paradox on the Pitch by Deb Wallavand
5/11/2009: Rugby Video Monday: It’s time for 7s Rugby!!
5/4/2009: More U23 LAU Videos from March 2009

Please keep sending me your favorite videos to scrumhalfconnection@gmail.com! Make sure to check out the YSC Vimeo Channel or my Youtube channel…and you can subscribe to both if you like, but keep in mind that all new videos will be on Vimeo only as they are recorded in High Definition.