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U20 Can Ams: Managing Expectations

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U20 Can Ams: Managing Expectations

Byrge brings consistency back to the WJAAs. (Photo: Dave Barpal)

2015 was supposed to be a Women’s U20 Nations Cup year, but the competition wasn’t renewed, so the USA and Canada looked across the border for another Can-Am Series. Women Junior All American coach Wil Snape has assembled a team that doesn’t feature a single unfamiliar name, and it’s unfortunate that this squad couldn’t test itself against the likes of England and South Africa – because there's reason to be excited.

Last year, the WJAAs brought a young team to Can Ams, and had about two days to prep before their first match against the Canada U20s. That series did not go well, but Snape is expecting a different outcome this year. Firstly, 10 of the 23 players named for tomorrow’s game are returning for their second consecutive Can Ams (see the full squad here). Five starters are coming from DI national champion Penn State, including halfbacks Carly Waters and Gabby Cantorna. Having that familiarity at scrumhalf and flyhalf is crucial for these types of outings, and they’ll be integral in launching a new attacking system that’s been implemented at all levels of the national teams. WJAA assistant coach Kate Daley hails from Penn State as well, and she’ll be on the sideline watching fellow Nittany Lions Taylah Pipkin and Tess Feury take on Canada tomorrow.

Watch for Ashlee Byrge and Danielle Ordway in the back three, too. The pair have been working together at Davenport University and are exciting with ball in hand. Central Washington’s Asinate Serevi and Jenny Johnson might work in different areas of the field when wearing Wildcats jerseys, but they embrace the potent offense of the Mel Denham-led varsity program.

There is some youth on the roster, but they, too, are well tested. Michel Navarro is the only true high schooler on the starting 15, but she comes out of Fallbrook High School and a myriad of high-level teams. Reserves Emily Prentice (also in high school), and recent grads Kat Ramage, Sheila Decker, and Leti Hingano have impressive playing resumes as well.

Canada has brought only four returners from last year’s Can Ams: Alexandria Ellis, Fabiola Forteza, Katie Svodoba, Emily Tuttosi. Many of 2014’s damaging players – like Jess Neilson and Alex Tessier – aged out and debuted at the July Super Series. First-year head coach Jennifer Boyd  who like Snape was an assistant coach for her country's junior team last year – selected her players from the Canada Rugby Championships and Eastern Championships. In the former competition, 2015 marked the first year that the women fielded an U20 women’s bracket. Three provinces played four games for a bevy of opportunities to showcase their talent. Also held in July, the Eastern Championships took place in Belleisle, New Brunswick, and fielded U18 and U20 brackets. The three-day tournament allowed Boyd to scout the best up-and-coming talent on that side of the country as well.

Canada comes into Can Ams having played more summer 15s rugby; there was also an U20 West vs. East competition aligned with the Super Series. But the Central Washington assembly marks the third camp for the WJAAs this summer, including the National All Star Competition and Greeley, Colo., camp.

Tomorrow we’ll find out how the USA’s experience and preparation stacks up against the recently stronger Canada U20s. Watch the game live at 4 p.m. PT here.