MARFU U23 takes 3rd at 2009 NASC - Part 2 of at least 3

So ... Friday was rough. We got out of our hotel a bit (we needed it bad) and enjoyed a nice family dinner at "Kings", complete with an Angry Mob and 28 spoons.

And Saturday we regrouped. We slept in, did a nice pool recovery session, and reviewed some of our most prominent technical and tactical issues. Since Northeast pretty much kicked our ass with a kicking game, we knew we needed to sort that out.

Coach Kate Nichol was a huge asset, walking the back row and back triangle players through their running lines, and looking at the details via coded video. Each unit spent some time in front of the computer, and out to training we went.

We worked on our kick counter kick game, our team defense, pattern of play, and did a little work with the forwards on body position and channel 1 tools.

Q-Doba, a fantastic rookie skit, and time for bed. Everyone wanted a victory pretty badly, and with our large roster we were able to rest some dinged up players and let some fresh legs give us an extra jolt. The turnaround was tremendous - while we still have a way to go as a team, the improvement from Friday to Sunday was nothing less than stupendous. Our counterattack and kicking game was one of the strongest aspects of play, out tries game from big team efforts and persistance to the pattern, and the final try of the game was inspirational (though Hutch, Natalie, Moira, and Danielle will argue about exactly WHO was responsible for the inspiration.

Match Roster is below, scroll down for the video.

1. Kristin Lucas (UVA)
2. Maddie Kriebal (Westchester)
3. Molly Walter (Mary Washington)
4. Betsy "B-Train" McCracken (Nova U19)
5. Ugochi Madubata (Princeton)
6. Monique McQueen (Virginia Commonwealth)
7. Kaitlyn Rooney (American)
8. Laura Miller (St Mary's College of Maryland
9. Hannah Bennet (Drexel)
10. Kate Rada (Westchester)
11. Jess Weiss (DC Furies)
12. Tanya Gouws (University of Maryland)
13. Moira Sommerdyk (Temple)
14. Danielle Monica (Temple)
15. Meg Lamm (Westchester

Replacements:

Monique Compito for Monique McQueen
Melissa Hutchinson (Shippensburg) for Kate Rada
Sara Shanely (Virginia Commonwealth) for Bennett
Sara Glick (Westcheter) for Kriebel - Lucas to 2
Mary Bocchino (Westchester) for McCracken (Miller to 5, Rooney to 8)
Emily Refsnyder (Westchester) for Madubata
Natalie Monroig (Shippensburg) for Lamm

MARFU U23 takes 3rd at 2009 NASC - Part 1 of several

It's been a long and exhausting 5 days, but very exciting for the young Sharks. I'll go into some detail regarding our preparation on my coaching blog, but wanted to get an update out quickly.


Friday was a tough day for us - with only 6 returning players, and 22 fresh faced rookies, MARFU took the field against NRU. We were a bit outmatched by virtue of size and experience, and the NRU took advantage of our inexperience with a brilliant tactical game. They controlled much of the possesion and repeatedly forced us to play out of our red zone. A stern whistle by the referee's saw 2 penalty kicks and a converted penalty try to to NRU in the opening 20 minutes, and while the young Sharks adjusted at half, it was just a little too late.

MVP awards on the day went to American University flanker Kaitlyn Rooney, who made a huge impact both offensively and defensively - all in her first select side experience. Congratulations Rooney!

The match highlight video is below the game roster. NRU and MARFU line breaks and tries are all combined, so you may see a couple of try scoring clips twice. Final score MARFU 12, NRU 42. The star on the day was certainly NRU's 10, who absolutely punished every MARFU infraction with penalties, and placed precision tactical kicks all game long. NRU wnt on to win the tournament in convincing fashion, dusting off the Midwest 43-5 on Sunday. They were clearly the class of the tournament. Congrats to NRU.

Next post will feature the exciting MARFU/PACIFIC U23 match (which MARFU pulled out in dramatic portion to avoid relegation and remain in Tier A).

Friday's Roster, scroll down for video...

1. Mia Delina Escobar (Drexel)
2. Kristin Lucas (UVA)
3. Molly Walter (Mary Washington)
4. Emily Refsnyder (Westchester)
5. Ugochi Madubata (Princeton)
6. Monique Compito (Virginia Tech)
7. Kaitlyn Rooney (American)
8. Laura Miller (St Mary's College of Maryland)
9. Sara Shanley (Virginia Commonwealth)
10. Melissa Hutchinson (Shippensburg)
11. Meg Lamm (Westchester)
12. Tanya Gouws (University of Maryland)
13. Moira Sommerdyk (Temple)
14. Danielle Monica (Temple)
15. Natalie Monroig (Shippensburg)

Replacements:
Maddie Kriebel for Escobar - Lucas to 1, Kriebel to 2 (Westchester)
Sara Glick (Westchester) for Kriebel - Lucas to 2
Monique McQueen for Monique Compito (Virginia Commonwealth)
Angela Yue for Lamm (Westchester)
Sasha Stauffer for Tanya Gouws (Sommerdyk to 12
Hannah Bennett for Sara Shanley

Trys - Hutchinson, Monroig
Conversion - Monroig

MARFU U23 Squad Announced for 2009 National All Star Championships

On behalf of the Mid Atlantic Under-23 Program, I'm pleased to announce the 2009 National All Star Championship Squad. Through the U23 Developmental Program, LAU Championsip, positional/skills camps, LAU and TU collegiate championships, and this weekend's grueling 2 day trial (attended by over 60 players), the following 24 players and 6 traveling reserves were identified for the June competition. Named players represent 18 different college, club, and U19 programs.

*Two players earned spots on the squad but are unavailable due to military commitments.

Special thanks go out to the University of Maryland for hosting this weekend's camp, and the many MARFU club programs for hosting players and providing senior players for the final camp scrimmage: DC Furies, Nova, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Stingers, Philadelphia, Pax River, and Exiles.

Named players will receive a follow up communication from the coaching and management staff with event details. Congratulations and thank you to all the participants!

2009 MARFU U-23 NASC Squad

Hannah Bennett - Drexel University

Mary Bridget Bocchino - West Chester University

Monique Compito - Virginia Tech

Mia Delina Escobar - Drexel University

Sara Glick - West Chester University

Tanya Gouws - University of Maryland

Melissa Hutchinson - Shippensburg University

Madeline Kriebel - West Chester University

Megan Lamm - West Chester University

Kristen Lucas - University of Virginia

Ugochi Madubata - Princeton University

Elizabeth McCracken - Nova U19

Monique N. McQueen - Virginia Commonwealth University

Laura Miller - St Mary's College of Maryland

Danielle Monica - Temple University

Natalie Monroig - Shippensburg University

Kate Rada - West Chester University

Emily Reifsnyder - West Chester University

Kaitlyn Rooney - American University

Sara Shanley - Virginia Commonwealth University

Moira Somerdyk - Temple University

Sasha Stauffer - West Chester University

Molly Walter - Mary Washington

Angela Yue - Princeton University

Traveling Reserves:

Rebecca DeMoor - Philadelphia Women

Brianne Femour - West Chester University

Lauren Jarlenski - Norfolk Storm

Shantel Nelson - American University

Jenny Thai - FPYC

Jessica Weiss - DC Furies

Unavailable due to military commitment:

Chastity Dunnaville - US Naval Academy

Elizabeth Trujillo - US Naval Academy

Lisa E Rosen

Head Coach, MARFU U23 Women's All Star Program

Directions and Details for Training and Selection Camp

The Midatlantic RFU Women's Under 23 program, defending USA Rugby National All Star Champions from 2007 and 2008, announces the Selection and Training Camp for 2009. MAY 23 - 24 - Selection camp & matches: open, University of Maryland.

DIRECTIONS: The best place for parking on the day of the camp will be the UMD Visitor Center Parking Lot located directly next to the Engineering Pitch. Here is a link to get directions to the Lot from anywhere:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=&daddr=38.986614,-76.937395&hl=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=38.986526,-76.937143&sspn=0.001885,0.003455&ie=UTF8&ll=38.986234,-76.936505&spn=0.003769,0.006909&t=h&z=17

Regardless of your starting point you will end up on Rt. 1/Baltimore Ave. by the end of your trip. If you are coming from the North(Beltway 495/95/295), the pitch will be on your right just after the campus main entrance and before you make the right turn into the Visitor Center Lot. If you are coming from the South(410, DC, etc.) you will be turning left. The name of the road is Rossborough Lane, and once you turn just follow the curve to the right to enter the parking lot. Thanks and safe traveling!

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING: A bag lunch (or money for subway), water, rugby kit, and tape if you need to be taped. IF YOU ARE UNDER 18 YOU MUST BRING A WAIVER, SIGNED BY YOUR PARENT OR GUARDIAN. The waiver we are using is found on the back of the USA Rugby CIPP membership form. You can download this off the USA Rugby web site, print it, have your parent sign it, and bring it. IF YOU ARE UNDER 18 DO NOT BRING A WAIVER YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE.

ABOUT THE CAMP Saturday May 23th we will introduce the tools and tactics that the team will use in a competitive format. Two-three teams will be identified and two - three 60 minute matches will be played on Sunday May 24th. Selections for the 2009 National All Star Championship team will be made at this venue, with consideration of various previous venues.

THE SCHEDULE

SATURDAY

May 23 Sign in/set up 9:00 - 9:30

Warmup/introductions 9:30 - 10:00

Training I 10:00 - 12:30, lunch 12:30 - 1:30

Training II 1:30 - 4:00

At end of training coaches will break players into scrimmage teams for Sunday. Depending on turnout, 2-3 scrimmage teams will be assembled.

SUNDAY MAY 24

Game prep and warmup 9:30 - 11:00

First game 11:00 - 12:00

Second game 12:10 - 1:10

Third game 1:10 - 2:10 (tentative).

Cool down and wrap up 2:10 - 2:30.

All efforts will be made to find local lodging for players and eliminate any costs. You must contact Lisa or Emily if you are requesting local housing.

May 26- Selection deadline. All players will be notified of selections no later than May 26.

June 9 - June 14 - USA Rugby U-23 National All Star Championships, Pittsburg, PA The MARFU U23 squad will assemble in Pittsburg PA late in the day on Tuesday June 9th. The team will train together Wed and Thursday. Friday MARFU will play the Northeast U23 team. Sunday MARFU U23 will play either the Midwest U23 or the Pacific Coast U23s.

Players competing to represent MARFU should be fit, have a fundamental grasp of general rugby skills, and be highly competitive players who thrive in a team environment. Eligible players are CIPP registered members of MARFU born on or after January 2, 1986. RSVP for camps are recommended but not required. If you intend on attending the the MARFU U23 event or if you have any questions, please contact one of the below individuals or join and RSVP through the MARFU U-23 Facebook Group, where training info is also available if needed.

Lisa Rosen, Head Coach - coachingrugby@gmail.com

Emily Sabato, Manager - emilysabato@gmail.com

Facebook Group - http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=29161390168&ref=ts

Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=64675561477

Every effort has been made to work around graduation conflicts, but we understand that exceptional circumstances may impact individual players. If you are unable to attend the selection camp but wish to be considered for the 2009 team, please contact Lisa directly.

Directions for this Sunday's MARfU U-23 Skills camp

The Evasive Running, Playmaking, and Open Field Support workshop this weekend will take place at the Maryland Stingers practice pitch (it's still hosted by American University - thanks to both American and the Stingers for getting us a good pitch!).

The pitch we'll be using is Duvall Field, in College Park Maryland. For directions, visit http://www.marylandstingers.org/directions.shtml . The workshop will start promptly at 9 and end promptly at 12:00 in order to give you mothers day time. Please try to arrive a little early so you can get kitted up, check in, etc.

More details on the clinic are here as well as on facebook.

MARFU U-23 Selection and Training Camp Details

The Midatlantic RFU Women's Under 23 program, defending USA Rugby National All Star Champions from 2007 and 2008, announces the Selection and Training Camp for 2009.

MAY 23 - 24 - Selection camp & matches: open, University of Maryland. Detailed directions to the University and the Field will be provided ON THIS PAGE and on ON THE FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

Saturday May 23th we will introduce the tools and tactics that the team will use in a competitive format. Two-three teams will be identified and two - three 60 minute matches will be played on Sunday May 24th. Selections for the 2009 National All Star Championship team will be made at this venue, with consideration of various previous venues.

SCHEDULE

SATURDAY May 23
Sign in/set up 9:00 - 9:30
Warmup/introductions 9:30 - 10:00
Training I 10:00 - 12:30, lunch 12:30 - 1:30
Training II 1:30 - 4:00

At end of training coaches will break players into scrimmage teams for Sunday. Depending on turnout, 2-3 scrimmage teams will be assembled.

SUNDAY MAY 24
Game prep and warmup 9:30 - 11:00
First game 11:00 - 12:00
Second game 12:10 - 1:10
Third game 1:10 - 2:10 (tentative).
Cool down and wrap up 2:10 - 2:30.

All efforts will be made to find local lodging for players and eliminate any costs.

May 26- Selection deadline. All players will be notified of selections no later than May 26.

June 9 - June 14 - USA Rugby U-23 National All Star Championship, Pittsburg, PA

The MARFU U23 squad will assemble in Pittsburg PA late in the day on Tuesday June 9th. The team will train together Wed and Thursday. Friday MARFU will play the Northeast U23 team. Sunday MARFU U23 will play either the Midwest U23 or the Pacific Coast U23s.

Players competing to represent MARFU should be fit, have a fundamental grasp of general rugby skills, and be highly competitive players who thrive in a team environment. Eligible players are CIPP registered members of MARFU born on or after January 2, 1986.

RSVP for camps are recommended but not required. If you intend on attending the the MARFU U23 event or if you have any questions, please contact one of the below individuals or join and RSVP through the MARFU U-23 Facebook Group, where training info is also available if needed.

Lisa Rosen, Head Coach - coachingrugby@gmail.com
Emily Sabato, Manager - emilysabato@gmail.com

Every effort has been made to work around graduation conflicts, but we understand that exceptional circumstances may impact individual players. If you are unable to attend the selection camp but wish to be considered for the 2009 team, please contact Lisa directly.

MARFU U-23 Rugby Workshop: Evasive runnng, playmaking, and open field support

Host: MARFU U-23 Women's Rugby All Stars
Date: Sunday, May 10, 2009
Location: American University
City: Washington DC
Contact Phone: 215 421 1823
Email Contact: coachingrugby@gmail.com

Player will learn evasive running, playmaking, and open field support skills, designed to help create more line breaks, better decision making ball in hand, and support running skills. Support skills help convert line breaks to trys.

This workshop is appropriate for players in ALL positions and at all levels (it will not be a high contact session so younger players are encouraged to join in. This workshop is open to all U20 and U23 eligible players (born after Jan 2, 1986), collegiate and high school.

Since this is Mothers day, the workshop will start early and conclude by noon so players may celebrate with their families.

All coaches are welcome and can apply for one USA Rugby continuing coach education credit for attending.

Players and coaches are encouraged to RSVP via email or through the Facebook invite, however RSVP is not required for attendance. Please bring your own water and tape if you need it.

Directions will be posted on both the Facebook invite and the MARFU U23 Women's All Star Blog

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=81926391852
http://marfu-u23s.blogspot.com

For more information, contact Lisa Rosen, MARFU U23 Head Coach, at coachingrugby@gmail.com, or 215 421-1823

MARFU U-23 DEV go 3 and 1 at DC Ruggerfest

This weekend the MARFU Under 23 Developmental team competed in the Capitol City Ruggerfet, in Washington DC. The team played 3 club sides (Chesapeake- D2, Maryland Stingers - D1, and Furies B - Premier), and one touring side (Back in Black). Players represented 11 different teams in the Mid Atlantic RFU.

Teams were broken into 4 pools of 4, and pool play commenced on Saturday with the following results:

MARFU U23 Dev v Chesapeake (10-0, W)
MARFU U23 Dev v Stingers (27-14, W)
MARFU U23 Dev v Furies Gold (63-0, W).

MARFU placed first in their pool and qualified for the semifinals against Back in Black, a womens touring side made up mostly of select side and national team players from the 80s and 90s (instead of positional numbers, they wear the year they were born on their backs). Back in Black has won their division every year the tournament has been played in my memory, and make the smarted and fastest decisions ever. So the semifinals pitted the crafty, experienced, but slightly aged "old girls" against the fast, and feisty "Young 'FU"). FUN FACT: One of Back in Black's players had the joy of competing against her daughter, on the MARFU U23 Dev side.

MARFU did a great job in the first half, trading tries with Back and Black and going into the half behind a penalty kick and a try, 22-14. MARFU dominated in scrums, played hard and physical at the tackle contest, and played excellent man to man defense, But Back in Black, wily vets that they are, figured out how to exploit our slower reaction time. After the half, it was clear that they had identified our weaknesses, and exploit them they did, moving the ball very quickly into space on penalties, and using their ability to deliver long, accurate passes lightning fast from the break down to isolate our defenders and outflank the defense. The second half saw MARFU shut out and 3 unconverted trys by Back and Black, for a final score of 37-14.

The tournament, as a developmental event, was a rousing success - each game the team's cohesiveness and teamwork showed improvement, and each individual player improved. From the Friday orientation practice (with a short session on breakdown skills by Eamonn Hogan) to the semi final game, there was continual learning. Though it was certainly tough to lose the semi, it was a tremendous learning experience, and hopefully everyone takes away from it how important foundation skills are.

The youth of this team (birth years indicated below) shows great thing ahead for the program, and will surely create a very competitive selection environment for the May 23-24 tryout. It's worth noting that only two players are NASC veterans from last year.

Next on the schedule is a workshop, May 10th, 9am-12pm, at American University, on playmaking, evasive running, and open field support. After that is open tryouts May 23-24 at the University of Maryland (tentative). I'm looking forward to both and I hope the enthusiasm generated by this tournament brings out MARFU players in droves.

Two players were given the "Spark" award for saturday and sunday. Unlike an MVP award, this award singles out a player who's actions energize their teammates and provide a spark that results in everyone stepping up.

Hannah Bennet - Drexel (scrumhalf) - 89 SPARK WINNER FOR SATURDAY
Elaine Bigelow - Princeton (back row)- 88
Loretta Charles- George Washington (back row) - 87
Rebecca DeMoor - Philly Women - 86
Mia Escobar - 87- Drexel (front row) - 87
Tanya Gouws - University of Maryland (center) - 88
Liz Hilliard - American (front row) - 89
Katie Hunt - Temple - (back row) - 87
Laura Miller - St Mary's BC-(lock)- 88 VICE CAPTAIN AND SPARK WINNER FOR SUNDAY
Ugochi Madubata - Princeton (lock, back row) - 87
Danielle Monica - Temple (wing) - 87 MARFU 2008 NASC VET
Shantel Nelson - American (wing) - 89
Trish Nowlan - George Washington (front row) - 89
Kate Rada - Westchester (flyhalf) - 89
Kaitlyn Rooney- American -(back row) - 89
Nicki Scheurch - Temple (fullback, wing) - 87
Moira Somerdyk - Temple (center) -88 CAPTAIN and MARFU NASC 2008 VET
Hannah Strayer - West Shore United High School - 91
Molly Walter - Mary Washington( front row) - 88
Angela Yue - Princeton (wing) - 89

* indicates MARFU NASC Veteran

Special thanks to American University and George Washington University for allowing their players to participate at very short notice, to Eamonn Hogan for the great session on Friday night, to Emily Sabato, our manager, and to Roshna Wunderlich, my fabulous assistant coach.

Lisa Rosen
Head Coach, MARFU U23

MARFU U23 Spring/Summer schedule

The MARFU U23 program, defending USA Rugby National All Star Champions from 2007 and 2008, announces their schedule for spring 2009.

April 24 - 26 MARFU U23 Developmental at DC Ruggerfest.
Players will assemble for a short training session Friday evening, participate in the tournament, and will be involved in mini-training sessions throughout the weekend. Initial invitations have been sent, and an additional round of invitations will be sent after the MARFU Collegiate Championships this weekend.

May 10 - skills camp (open, American University): Evasive running, rlay making, and open field support.
MAY 23 - 24 - Selection camp & matches (open, University of Maryland)
Saturday May 23th we will introduce the tools and tactics that the team will use in a competitive format. Two teams will be identified and two matches played will be played on Sunday May 24th. Selections for the 2009 National All Star Championship team will be made at this venue. All efforts will be made to find local lodging for players and eliminate any costs.

May 26- Selection deadline. All players will be notified of selections no later than May 26.

June 9 - June 14 - USA Rugby U-23 National All Star Championship, Pittsburg, PA

The MARFU U23 squad will assemble in Pittsburg PA on Tuesday June 9th. The team will train together Wed and Thursday. Friday MARFU will play the Northeast U23 team. Sunday MARFU U-23 will play either the Midwest U-23 or the Pacific Coast U-23 All Stars.

Players competing to represent MARFU should be fit, have a fundamental grasp of general rugby skills, and be highly competitive players who thrive in a team environment. Eligible players are CIPP registered members of MARFU born on or after January 2, 1986.

RSVP for camps are recommended but not required. If you intend on attending the the MARFU U23 event or if you have any questions, please contact:

Lisa Rosen, Head Coach - coachingrugby@gmail.com
Emily Sabato, Manager - emilysabato@gmail.com

Every effort has been made to work around graduation conflicts, but we understand that exception circumstances may impact individual players. If you are unable to attend the selection camp but wish to be considered for the 2009 team, please contact Lisa directly.

For further details, please visit the MARFU U23 blog at http://marfu-u23s.blogspot.com .

*** PLEASE NOTE: THE MARFU SENIOR WOMEN's program is running a concurrent schedule. For information about the MARFU senior side, please contact Lance Connelly, Head Coach - proplance@aol.com or Maria Vastola, Manager - mvastola@gmail.com

CANCELLED: Clinic Announcement: Winning the Tackle Contest 21 Feb 2009

This clinic has been cancelled due to schedueling conflicts. It will be rescheduled later in the spring.
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The MARFU U23 program will be hosting a specialty clinic for all U23 players on February 21, 2009 at James Madison University. This specialty clinic will be focused on play in contact, winning the tackle situation. This specialty clinic will benefit any player (1-15!) looking to improve their skills in contact. Given the success of last years’ scrum and evasiveness clinics, we anticipate a great turnout and an opportunity for you to meet and play with other U23 players in your region.

Registration: 9:30 - 10:00

Warm-up and Morning sessions: 10:00 - 12:00

Lunch 12:00 - 12:30

Afternoon Session: 12:30 – 3:00

Coach: Lisa Rosen, Head Coach MARFU U23 women (coachingrugby@gmail.com)
Assisting Lisa will be several USA Women's National Team pool players and MARFU Senior Select Side players

Host Contact: Roshna Wunderlich (JMU women, wunderre@jmu.edu)

Players need to bring lunch, snacks, water, appropriate rugby gear, and $5 to cover overhead costs.

Confirmation with MARFU U23 Head Coach Lisa Rosen (email coachingrugby@gmail.com ) or host Roshna Wunderlich (email wunderre@jmu.edu) is appreciated but not required.

College, High School, and U23 club players (all positions) are encouraged to attend.

Directions will be posted here.