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
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
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
