GRR: Fallbrook
The Gator 7s in San Clemente, Calif., marked the second stop on the SoCal Serevi Cup summer 7s series. The Fallbrook U18 girls entered the tournament in first place, having won the Encinitas 7s on June 27. The Warriors received some push-back from Fullerton during the series-opener, but three weeks of training saw Fallbrook extend the distance between itself and the field.
The Fallbrook U18 Girls are out in front of the SoCal Summer Sevens Series, winning the first of three tournaments at the Encinitas 7s last Saturday. The field will attempt to close the gap at the Gator 7s (July 12) and Cal State Games (July 25) before a champion is declared.
Straight out of high school and in to international rugby, Richelle Stephens was not eased into the role.
The Fallbrook HS talent was picked for the USA team at the NACRA 7s, and then started at flyhalf - in every game.
Fallbrook has been wearing a target for the previous five years – the consequence of winning consecutive girls high school national championships – but in 2015, that mark seemed closer than usual. The Warriors lost a couple of tournament games in March, the SoCal league was providing inconsistent competition, and the team was chasing the development curve.
Fallbrook won its 5th consecutive Girls High School National Invitational Championship, defeating Kent 41-0 in today’s final. Kent had its opportunities for points, but the Warriors’ defense and ability to steal possession kept the shutout in place.