USA Women win historic hardware at Dubai Sevens

from USARugby.org:

DUBAI – The USA Women’s Eagles are taking home some historic hardware from the first-ever IRB Women’s Sevens World Series tournament.  A wobbly finish on day one was put well in the rear view on day two as the USA beat China and France decisively to win the Bowl.

The USA Women won the Bowl at the first-ever IRB Women’s Sevens World Series event.  USA Rugby CEO, Nigel Melville was on hand to congratulate the team and get his hands on a piece of women’s rugby history.  Photo credit: Nicole Titmas

Five Eagles tallied tries on the score sheet against China in the Bowl Semifinal.  Vix Folayan got the USA on the right foot scoring twice inside of four minutes.  Lauren Doyle added five after China botched a lineout and the USA had a comfortable 17-point lead going into the half.  The Eagles dictated the pace in the second half, catching China’s defense out of position on two quick taps.  China managed to score once, but the USA had the game well in hand.  Teena Mastrangelo capped it off for the Eagles after collecting an offload from Jillion Potter for the final score.

Having beaten France handily on the first day, the Eagles were confident going into the Bowl Final, but also knew that playing an opponent twice in two days can be a dangerous proposition.

The Eagles started fast against France in the Bowl Final just as they did against China in the semis.  An intercept try from Nathalie Marchino and a score from Vanesha McGee put the Eagles ahead, but France wouldn’t go down easily.  Penalties on the USA gave France field position and caught the Americans on the back foot.  The Eagles were up by an uneasy five points at halftime.  Two American tries in the second half were enough to put France away.  Halfback Katie Dowty scored from a quick tap under the sticks and Folayan added the final score to put the USA ahead 26-12 at the final whistle.

Not only do the Eagles win the Bowl, they also get five Series points that will add to their season total that will decide the Series winner after the next three tournaments.

The next tournament will be on home soil for the Eagles.  On February 1-2, 2013 the top women’s teams in the world will take to the field at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas, providing top-notch international rugby to a city that has proven it has an appetite for it.

Box Scores:           
USA 36
Tries: Folayan(2), Doyle, Marchino, Owsiany, Mastrangelo
Conversions: (3)

China 7
Tries: Lillian
Conversions: Xiaoming
—
USA 26
Tries: Marchino, McGee, Dowty, Folayan
Conversions: Ringgenberg (2), Baravilala

France 12
Tries: Ladagnous, Izar
Conversions: Le Duff

View all the Dubai 7s rosters, schedule and results here.