Coalition Tackles New Format to Go 14-0 and Win Sundown 7’s
The last match of Round one found the Coalition once again tested by the hosts Steel Valley. In a tightly contested back and forth match the Coalition would give up their only try on the day, letting Steel Valley get on the board to tie up the game at 7 all. With ties going to drop kicks to determine a winner Captain Maura Fibbi and Becky Tent drilled their kicks through the uprights to give the Coalition the win and remain unbeaten though round one.
Round two began 15 minutes later and despite having played triple the matches of any other team at the tournament the Coalition shut out opponents in all five matches and ran the table once again, showcasing their depth and skill. The Coalition utilized strong individual and team defense to keep the score sheet clean, with standout sweep Kaela Thompson organizing from the back and stopping anyone who managed to break the line. Hannah Long showcased the endless bounds of her talent with highlight reel tackles, no look passes, and ability to control the contact, while Jordan Costy turned corners and heads on the outside with her speed and skill. Ending the second round 5-0 all but ensured that the Coalition would walk away with the title, but never leaving anything to chance Coach Prater and the Coalition went looks towards round three with hungry eyes.
Round three saw the Coalition open up against the Iron Maidens in another battle of Cleveland teams. After giving up a penalty right on their 5 meter line the Coalition went into lockdown mode with stout goal line defense that saw the Coalition repel several chances by the Maidens. By communicating and winning the physicality battle the Coalition preserved the shut out with Dakota Steed holding up the ball in the try zone to end the match. Fresh legs in the form of SaherHamdan, arriving late after a successful week at a high level USA Rugby Academy Camp, helped propel the Coalition late in the night, both as a key piece of the goal line defense and though her ability to create offense for herself and others. Alexis Beach, who broke the line several times on the night, would finally find the try zone twice in round three, pacing the Coalitions offense, while Kelly Gaydosh provided steady scrummagaing and great support running on the night. Closing up round three at 3-0 left the Coalition as the clear champions, outscoring opponents 230-7, and once again ending another tournament unbeaten.
The Coalition’s top side is still unbeaten on the summer, having scored a monstrous 525 points while only giving up 17. Their next test will be in Pittsburgh July 21st where they will enter two teams on the day.
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