The USA U18 Girls are back from Wales after a wildly successful tour.
The young Americans played a day of shortened internationals against Scotland, Netherlands, and Wales, winning all three.
A few days later they suited up against Wales in a full-length age-grade international, losing 17-14.
Game 1
Led by captain and flyhalf Bella Vogel the USA team was very good at pushing Scotland off the gain line and linking between hard tight-five runners and backs trailing. Quick hands down the line set up wing Aleksandria Gabbard for the opening try. Scotland did pressure after that but the USA held on. Scotland were pinged rather harshly for an incorrect tap on a free kick. That led to a penalty for not retreating 10 meters, and the USA moved the ball quickly to hooker Rebecca Balladares for the try.
Some excellent passing got the USA close once more and the smooth transfer of the ball allowed wing Sana'a Lunon to score in the corner. Vogel added one conversion but she was instrumental in keep the Scottish team chasing them around. USA 17 Scotland 0.
Game 2
A sweet loop move involving flyhalf Emerson Callegari and a brilliant inside offload from wing Kiyanah Edwards produced a try for center Layla Cox. Netherlands came close to scoring after that but tackles by locks Natalie Allen and Drew Dauser stopped them. USA cleared somewhat, but still had to win a lineout inside their own 22.
They did that and from there center Marley Larkin cut through several defenders and raced 90 meters to the house. Nolah Flynn converted for the 12-0 lead.
Offloads out of contact and a smart release-and-regrab allowed Annie Henrich to score. And then Larkin got her second try, this one even longer, at about 95 meters. Henrich converted to finish the scoring at 24-0.
Game 3
Against Wales the USA finally gave up points, but only five. Once again they moved the ball quickly and were not afraid to make passes. Expected to run hard and to make offloads, they did. With the tight five forwards also working hard to cover the field and make passes, and some breakaway speed, the U18 Eagles scored six tries and converted four to win 38-5.
Dana Greer and Gabbard both scored twice while Callegari and Sam Levine scored one try each. Vogel converted four.
Head Coach Susan Whitwell had three different players captain the squad in the three games, Vogel, Callegari, and No. 8 Eseta Pale, giving additional players opportunities to show leadership.
