GRR: USA Women 7s
The USA’s first win against Canada (in the '14-'15 series) couldn’t have come at a worse time for the tournament host. After falling four points shy in the teams’ pool play match, the Eagles dug deep for a 19-12 victory over Canada in the Plate final. It was an exhausting, emotional triumph over a familiar opponent, and the Eagles earned it.
The Eagles redeemed themselves in a 29-10 win against Australia during the Plate semifinals of the Canada Women’s 7s. The USA will now face Canada, which defeated Fiji 45-0, in the Plate final.
The hope for a repeat berth to the Cup final is over, as the USA lost 17-0 to France in the Canada Women’s 7s quarterfinals. The Eagles will now work toward the Plate and take on Australia, which lost a surprise 17-10 quarterfinal to Russia, at 1:06 p.m. PDT.
The USA came very close to upsetting tournament host Canada in the teams’ final game of the day, but the locals held onto a 19-15 victory to top pool C of the Canada Women’s 7s.
With regulation well over, Bui Baravilala tapped through a penalty at the USA’s one meter and then kicked the ball into touch to seal the 17-14 win over Russia. That drama coated the entire game, as the teams traded leads, penalties, and turnovers, but the Eagles held on for their second win at the Canada Women’s 7s.