2010 SCHEDULE RELEASED

MARCH 14 - Technical Workshop: Winning the Tackle Contest - Before, During, and After Contact

University of Virginia

April 11 - Technical Workshop: Winning the Tackle Contest - Before, During, and After Contact

DC Metro Area

April 23 - April 25: MARFU U23 Developmental at DC Ruggerfest

Washington, DC

May 16th: OPEN TRIALS: DC/Baltimore Area

May 23: Warmup match vs Philadelphia Women, Philadelphia PA

June 6 - June 13 : USA Rugby Under 23 National All Star Championship (TBD)

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.

2008 ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM: MARFU U23 LAU ALL STAR CHAMPIONSHIPS

A personal thank you to all the players, coaches, selectors, referees, and to our hosts Philadelphia Women for a great LAU Tournament this weekend!

Congratulations to the VRU for their tournament win, and to the MARFU U-19s for a very competitive first tournament appearance!

After reviewing all the input from the coaches and selectors, the following players have been named to the MARFU U23 LAU All Star Championship "All Tournament Team". These players represent, positionally, the strongest 22 players over the course of the weekend as identified by the MARFU U23 program staff and LAU coaches. As competition was very tight, we have also identified 5 "Honorable Mentions".

Congratulations to all the players! Invitations to the MARFU U23 Spring Developmental Venue will follow in a few days.

Front Row
Molly Walter (VRU - Mary Washington)
Nicole Muraglia (U19s - LaSalle)
Lauren Herbert (U19s - Shippensburg)
Kristin Lucas (VRU - UVA)

Second Row
Ugochi Madubata (EPRU - Princeton)
Sara Schmidt (VRU - UVA)
Laura Miller (PRU - SMCM)

Back Row
Katie Hunt (EPRU - Temple)
Megan Ginley (VRU - Virginia Tech)
Brittany McKenna (U19 - LaSalle)
Allison Floyd (EPRU - LaSalle)

Scrumhalf
Rachel Winters (VRU - UVA)
Shannon Lane (U19 - Shippensburg)

Inside Backs
Stephanie Chubbs (U19 -UVA)
Melissa Hutchinson (EPRU - Shippensburg)
Moira Somerdyk (EPRU - Temple)
Erica Cavanaugh (VRU - UVA)

Back Triangle
Bellany Reese (VRU - Virginia Tech)
Kimberly Lane (EPRU - UDel)
Natalie Monroig (EPRU - Shippensburg)
Sharlyn Carter (VRU - UVA)

Utility
Rachel Miller (VRU - UVA)

HONORABLE MENTION
Kaitlin Reilly (VRU - JMU)
Emily Callaghan - (EPRU - York)
Angela Yu - (EPRU - Princeton)
Tanya Gouws (PRU - Exiles)
Kate Rada (U19 - Westchester)


Respectfully,

Lisa E. Rosen
Head Coach, MARFU U23 Women's All Stars

Some match highlights from NASCs ,,,,

MARFU U23 v PACIFIC U23 - Tier 1 Semi (MARFU 15, Pacific 0)

Try #1 v Pacific U23. Pacific launches a powerful forward attack out of their own end, looking to clear. The clearing kick is blocked, MARFU gains possession, and the ball is transfered through Alison Wormans hands (flanker, PSU) to Megan Newton (fullback, JMU) who stiffarms two defenders to score the try.


Try #2 v Pacific U23. Julia Swavola (flanker, JMU) poaches in her own end, pitches to Kara Bodison (lock, PSU) who pins the first defender and put's Steph (wing, Westchester) away for a 90 meter try.


Try #3 v Pacific U23. Annie Ziegler (Scrumhalf, PSU) moves the ball to Megan Newton (flyhalf, JMU), who moves the ball to Natalie Monroig (Fullback, Shippensburg) who slices through the defense to score with Danielle Monica (Wing, Temple) in support.


MARFU U23 v MIDWEST U23 - Tier 1 Championship (MARFU 29, Midwest 0)

Try #1 v Midwest U23. Off a driving lineout, Katy Black( prop, Westchester) peels off the back and is shut down just short of the tryzone. Kara Bodison (lock, PSU) is in support, picks, and dives in for the try.


Try #2 v Midwest U23. Kate Daley (#8, PSU) picks off the back of a solid scrum and dashs strong for the try.


Try #3 v Midwest U23. Kate Daley (#8, PSU) picks off the back of a solid scrum and dashs weak for the try.



Try # 4 v Midwest U23. From a scrum, the backs run a blind side attack using Danielle Monica (Temple). She is well defended, but in the follow up forward attack sequence, after several phases, Blythe Hagan (Lock, Brandywine) dives in for the score.


Try #5 v Midwest U23. Midwest lose the ball in their own end, and MARFU move it sketchily through the hands. Moira Somerdky (center, Temple) powers through the defenders and touches down for the final try of the game.


Scrum tackle tackle poach kick catch run


A Midwest driving lineout is foiled


COLLISION: Moira vs Schmarrah




A nice kick reception sequence

MARFU U23 Takes 2nd Straight NASC Title!

The 2008 MARFU U23 squad put up two scoreless performances to claim their 2nd straight Under- 23 National All Star Championship title.

In round one, MARFU faced a very physical Pacific team. The scoring was opened up by JMU fullback Meghan Newton, who downed the ball in the corner after several phases open up space wide. Meghan was able to hand-off the last defenders and put herself in.

After the first half, MARFU used their forwards to increase the pace of the game, and slowly began opening space. Pacific did not back down, and after a string penalties pinned MARFU in their own end, it looked like Pacific might tie it up. The tide turned when JMU's Julia Swavola poached Pacific ball out of a ruck, and PSU lock Kara Bodison quickly moved the ball to Westchester's Steph Burkhardt, who has space in front of her. Steph dashed to the undefended Pacific try zone, using a subtle angle change to beat the chasing Pacific fullback in a 95 meter footrace.

MARFU's last try occurred after solid scrum with a right hand bling. Flyhalf Megan Newton ran right, recived the ball from Annie Ziegler and transfered it quickly to inserting Shippensburg fullback Natalie Monriog. As the Pacific defense slid to cover Daniell on the wing, Natalie attacked the seam between the defenders and swerved past the last Pacific player to ground the ball. The score was now 15-0, where it would remain.

After pool recovery/video session on Saturday morning, the team took the afternoon off to decompress, rest their bodies, and mentally prepare for Sunday.

The Midwest defeated Southern Cal 25-7 to win a berth in the Championship, and MARFU knew they'd have to fix some things to be successful. After our video session we agreed that our scrum engagements needed to be faster, our ball placement and rucking more precise, and our defense would need to vastly improve. The team gathered early in the morning to walk through defensive fixes and put in place communication cues to keep us on task and honest in defense.

Quickly after the kickoff it was apparent the Midwest was going to be hard and physical, and that they would look to play a continuous vertical game. Our defensive alignment, positioning, and pace were vastly improved, which resulted in several midwest turnovers behind the gain line. Through the first few minutes of the game MARFU was on defense, but managed to push the Midwest attack further and further towards their 22. Finally, MARFU had a short lineout in their attacking 22. The ball was caught nicely by Kara, and a big drive from Katy Black saw her explode off the back of the lineout. A quick ruck ensured, an Kara picked the ball of the base and dove in for the first try of the game. The try was converted by Natalie Monroig.

MARFU continued thier pressure off the ensuing kickoff, and soon found themselves with a left side 5 meter scrum. Off a beautiful driving platform, PSU's Kate Daley picked to the strong side and dived tryzone for MARFU's second try. The try was also converted by Natalie.

The Midwest continued it's pressure, but MARFU's defense was able to force Midwest into playing backwards. When a Midwest handling error gave MARFU it's second 5 meter scrum of the first half, number 8 Kate Daley switched things up, this time going week off the drive to ground the ball. MARFU 19, MIDWEST 0.

After the half MARFU continued to see the pass in the forwards. After an attempted running blind side attack was foiled, the forwards move the ball up the far sidelines. With the goal line in site, lock Blyth Hagan this time picked and dived for MARFU's 4th try.

As the game wound down and the Midwest began to show it's fatigue, MARFU used its backs to stretch the defense and force the Midwest forwards to run. After several barely-made-it-passes, powerful center Moira Somerdyk recieved a ball wide and dove between two Midwest defenders's into the tryzone. Final score: MARFU U23 29, MIDWEST U23 0.

Selections for NASC 2008 - Updated

To all the players who participated, thank you for your tremendous effort over the past few weeks. See below the selections for the MARFU U23 Squad and Territorial Development Squad that will compete in the National All Star Championships.

Special thanks to all the coaches, selectors & managerial types who assisted in the process. THANK YOU!!


MARFU U23
Katy Black - Westchester University
Kara Bodison - Penn State University
Steph Burkhardt - Westchester University
Kate Daley - Penn State University
Alli Dolan - Philadelphia Women
Megan "Chuggs" Godfrey - Westchester University
Blythe Hagan - Brandywine Women
Lisa Hrunka - Shippensburg University
Melissa Hutchison - Shippensburg University
Meral Kanik - Penn State University
Monique McQueen - Virginia Commonwealth University
Danielle Monica - Temple University
Natalie Monrig - Shippensburg University
Megan Newton - James Madison University
Brittany Rienman - Shippensburg University
Lauren Rosso - Penn State University
Sara Shanley - Virginia Commonwealth University
Kerilee "KL" Shuey - Shippensburg University
Kristen "Orah" Snyder - Penn State University
Moira Summerdyke - Temple University
Julia Swavola - James Madison University
Kate Welter - Georgetown University (Injured Reserve)
Alison Worman - Penn State University
Annie Ziegler - Penn State University


MARFU U23 Alternates/Territorial Development Team
Dominique Bunai - Virginia Tech University
Stephanie Hallman - Drexel University
Heather Stephenson - Brandywine Women
Kate "TK" Hallinan - Philadelphia Women

2008 MARFU U-23 Pool

Congratulations to the following players. These athletes will represent the MARFU U23 All Stars on May 31th in matches against the NRU and MARFU Senior Developmental teams, in preparation for the 2008 National All Star Championship.

At that time players will be further identified for the MARFU U23 NASC team, and for the territorial development team. Players were identified at a variety of events, including the LAU Round Robin Tournament, the MARFU U23 Developmental Team, Sunday's Open Tryouts, and the National Championship tournament.

Alison Worman - Penn State
Alli Dolan - Philadelphia Women
Amber "Sass" Morgan - Virginia Tech
Annie Zeigler - Penn State
Blythe Hagen - Brandywine Women
Brittany Rineman - Shippensburg
Danielle Monica - Temple
Dominique Bunai - Virginia Tech
Heather Stephenson - Brandywine Women
Julie Swavola - James Madison
Kara Bodison - Penn State
Kate Daley - Penn State
Katie "TK" Hallinan - Philadelphia Women
Katy Black - Westchester
Katy Welter (injured reserve) - Georgetown
Kerilee "KL" Shuey - Shippensburg
Kristen Snyder - Penn State
Lauren Rosso - Penn State
Lauren Waltz - Princeton
Lisa Hrunka - Shippensburg
Maria "MR" Muscara - LaSalle
Megan "Chuggs" Godfrey - Westchester
Megan Newton - James Madison
Melissa Hutchison - Shippensburg
Meral Kanik - Penn State
Moira Somerdyk - Temple
Monique McQueen - Virginia Tech
Natalie Monroig - Shippensburg
Nicole "Vegan" Coffineau - Virginia Tech
Sara Shanley - Virginia Commonwealth
Sherilyn Villa - American
Steph Burkhardt - Westchester
Steph Petrides - American

Open Tryouts May 18th 2008 - Directions and Details

Open tryout! The Mid Atlantic U23 Women's All Star team are the 2007 USA Rugby U23 National All Star Champions. The 2008 NASC will be held in Pittsburgh, Pa June 13 - 15.

This is a open tryout - no recommendations are required. If you are unable to attend this tryout but still wish to be considered for the MARFU U23 team, please contact Lisa directly.

Players attending should be fit, have a solid grasp of fundamental rugby skills, and aspire to a higher level of competition.

Selected players will be invited to train and play training matches against MARFU II (Senior) and NRU II (Senior) on May 31, 2008.

Confirmation, while not required, is recommended. You can confirm via email, or via our facebook invitation - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=24489371088

Please bring water, a bag lunch, and any snacks you might need. If you need taping, please bring your own supplies.

Directions:
Sunday's tryouts will be at the UMBC (University of Maryland Baltimore Campus). Cleats on ready to train at 9:30. THERE IS NO RESTROOM AT THIS FACILITY SO PLEASE MAKE A BIO STOP PRIOR TO ARRIVAL.

directions to the field...

From the North:
Take I-95 south, toward Baltimore
Take exit 47B, on to MD Route 166, toward Catonsville
Take the first exit toward UMBC Campus
Go straight through the first stop sign
Bear right at the next intersection, on to Hilltop Circle
Turn Right on to Poplar Ave.
Turn Right on to Shellbourne Road
The field is on the right, directly across from Arbutus Middle School
There is a gravel parking lot just before the field


From the North:
Take I-95 North, toward Baltimore
Take exit 47B, on to MD Route 166, toward Catonsville
Take the first exit toward UMBC Campus
Go straight through the first stop sign
Bear right at the next intersection, on to Hilltop Circle
Turn Right on to Poplar Ave.
Turn Right on to Shellbourne Road
The field is on the right, directly across from Arbutus Middle School
There is a gravel parking lot just before the field

The following link will show the field clearly, note that the arrow is not precisely in front of
Arbutus middle school building.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=arbutus+middle+schoo
215.421.1823.

Belated: MARFU U23 Developmental team at Ruggerfest

I know I'm late posting, so my apologies to everyone for the delay ...

Three weeks ago the MARFU U-23 Women's All Star program entered a developmental team into the DC Furies Ruggerfest tournament.

We played two women's club sides on Saturday, coming out of our first game with a squeaker of a win against a terrific Norfolk side, and then faced Chesapeake women in our second match, winning by 4 tries.

That put us in the semi-finals on Sunday against the Maryland Stingers, a D1 area club side. We came out strong, with wing Rachel Miller blazing into the tryzone after a quick turnover ball, but the experience and physicallity of the Maryland side proved too much for us to overcome. In the end they got the best of us by 4 tries, in a game that really

Though it was disappointing not to make the finals, it was a great experience for everyone. Seeing the performance and team camaraderie develop and improve as the weekend unfolded was quite the positive experience. This was a very young MARFU team, with only a few veteran players (*). Congrats to everyone involved, but especially to :

Moira Somerdyk, MVP Back
Stephanie Petrides, MVP Forward
Nicole Coffineau, Most Improved Player
Amber "Sass" Morgan, Most Impactful

Also, special thanks to Katy Welter and Sheri Villa, our captains, and to Emily Sabato, our hard working manager, and to Catholic University, for use of their practice field.

(Congratulations to Shippensburg University, who several players slated to attend, but instead brought home a D2 National Championship!)

MARFU U23 Developmental:

Sarah Buhlam (front row) - Chesapeake, PRU
Brittany Buffalino (flyhalf, center)- LaSalle, EPRU
Dominique Bunai (back row) - Virginia Tech, VRU
Nicole "Carrot aka Vegan" Coffieneu (second row) - Virginia Tech, VRU
Allison Dolan (front row) - Philadelphia Women, EPRU
Alison Floyd (second row) - LaSalle, EPRU
Kate "TK" Hallinan (wing) - Philadelphia Women, EPRU
Lauren McLaughlin (wing) - Temple, EPRU
Brittany McKenna (fullback, wing) - LaSalle, EPRU
Rachel Miller (wing) - University of Virginia, VRU
Amber "Sass" Morgan (front row) - Virginia Tech, VRU
Maria "MR" Muscara (center) - LaSalle, EPRU
Kaitlin Parliman (front row, second row) - Temple, ERPU
Stephanie Petrides (back row) - American, PRU
Beleny Reese (wing )- Virginia Tech, VRU
Meghan "Football" See (front row) - Virginia Tech, VRU
Sarah Shanley (scrum half) - Virginia Commonwealth, VRU
Moira Somerdyk (center) - Temple, EPRU
Shannon Sulkovsky (back row, lock) - Kutztown, EPRU
Sherri Villa (back row & captain) - American, PRU
Rachel Von Vital (scrum half, wing) - Temple, ERPU
Katy Welter (fullback & captain) - Georgetown

Staff:
Lisa Rosen - Head Coach
Roshna Wunderlich - Asst. Coach
Chris Herrmann - Asst. Coach
Kristin Aliberto - Asst. Coach
Emily Sabato - Manager

DATE CHANGE: SPECIALTY CLINIC: Evasive Running, Playmaking, and Open Field Support

DATE CHANGE:

The MARFU U23 progam will be hosting a specialty clinic for U23 players on Sunday, April 6, 2008, at Edgely Field, 33rd and Diamond Street, Fairmount Park, in Philadelphia PA.


Registration: 9:30 - 10:00
Warmup and Morning sessions: 10:00 - 12:00
Lunch 12:00 - 12:30
Afternoon Session: 12:30 - 2:00
Host Contact: Ginger Stringer, EPRU U23 (email phillyrugger@gmail.com)

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) is recommended, but not required.

This specialty clinic, will benefit any player looking to improve their evasive running, decision making, and support skills.

Both College and High School players are encouraged to attend.

If your rugby program is interested in hosting a speciality clinic, please contact Lisa directly.

Tentative 2008 Tryout Schedule

Here are the dates for spring 2008 try outs. This year instead of 1 2 day event, we're going to have 2 one day events, and one training weekend after selections for the NASC. We've made this change in an effort to resolve graduation conflicts. There is no single day or location that's good for all the colleges in MARFU, providing two separate dates should help mitigate the problem. Players may go to either open tryout, or both. Players are not limited to the tryout in their region, both dates are open for everyone.

May 11th: Open tryout #1; James Madison University, Virginia Rugby Union, 9:30 - 4:00
May 18th: Open tryout #2; Potomac Rugby Union (exact pitch location TBD), 9:30 - 4:00
May 19th: Selections announced for NASC.
May 31st: Team Prep & Match; Philadelphia PA, Morning practice; afternoon match vs MARFU Senior Developmental.
June 10th - 15th: National All Star Championships.