Maple Leaf Academy claim NextGen Sevens crown in Langford
Rugby 7s Senior Women
The Maple Leaf Academy were narrow winners over the Canada East Selects in the final of the NextGen Sevens tournament this past weekend. The event was played alongside the HSBC Canada Women’s Sevens in Langford, BC. The final itself was a hard-fought contest with the Maple Leaf Academy prevailing by a single try, 19-14.
The Maple Leaf Academy were narrow winners over the Canada East Selects in the final of the NextGen Sevens tournament this past weekend. The event was played alongside the HSBC Canada Women’s Sevens in Langford, BC. The final itself was a hard-fought contest with the Maple Leaf Academy prevailing by a single try, 19-14.
The tournament provided much-needed competition for players across Canada and the USA development squad with each team participating in a total of five games. Friday’s play was held at the University of Victoria, and it was the Canada East Selects who were the top-ranked team in pool action heading into Sunday.
The opportunity to play in front to a hometown crowd inside Starlight Stadium on Day 2 was a valuable and exciting experience for all players involved.
“It has been a great past couple months building off the NextGen camp and working on a few key areas and then getting the opportunity to implement them in this tournament,” Head Coach of the Maple Leaf Academy, Kelly Russell, said. “It has been a great learning experience for all and we look to continuing to build on this momentum.”
The top three-placed teams at the tournament were all Canadian, showcasing the quality of the University programs across the country and the U Sports competition. Both the Canada East and West Selects rosters were comprised of players who had never previously trained or played together, underlining their ability to adapt to their teammates and surroundings.
“The NexGen competition was the first time we as an organization were able to give a chance to athletes who have been showcasing their skills in the U Sports to compete,” commented Jack Hanratty, Interim Head Coach of Canada’s Senior Women’s Sevens team. “The competition itself was fantastic and it will hopefully be an area and age group we can continue to develop in conjunction with all our rugby stakeholders.”
The next opportunity to continue building the Sevens depth chart and NextGen experience will be with the Canada Summer Games taking place in Niagara, August 6-10.
Rugby Canada would like to thank and acknowledge the work put in by all the players, coaches, referees and volunteers that made this tournament a success.
Day 1
Game 1: USA 5-34 Canada West Selects
Game 2: Canada East Selects 19-17 Maple Leaf Academy
Game 3: USA 10-31 Canada East Selects
Game 4: Canada West Selects 12-19 Maple Leaf Academy
Game 5: Canada West Selects 14-47 Can 2
Game 6: Maple Leaf Academy 28-14 USA
Day 2
Game 7: Canada West Selects 14-24 Maple Leaf Academy
Game 8: Canada East Selects 12-5 USA
Game 9: Canada West Selects 12-5 USA
Game 10: Maple Leaf Academy 19-14 Canada East Selects
Watch the final by clicking here.
ROSTERS
Maple Leaf Academy
Players:
Eden Kilgour
Ella O'Regan
Emilie Merilainen
Krissy Scurfield
Larah Wright
Lucie Romeo
Maya Addai
Shaylaya Valenzuela
Summer Blackmore
Talia Hoffman
Faith Tilley
Staff:
Kelly Russell - Head Coach
Mandy Marchak - Assistant Coach
Laura Schrader - Therapist
Jenn Joyce - S & C
West Selects
Players:
Angie Olukunmi
Carissa Norsten
Cassie Joregenson
Maelle Reed
Taejah Thompson
Melina Ioannides
Bethany Cudmore
Shoshanah Seumanutafa
Savanah Bauder
Piper Logan
Bronwyn Dormaar
Staff:
Chelsea Ross - Head Coach
Emma Delory - Assistant Coach
Aiyanna Grubac - Therapist
East Selects
Players:
Alex Ondo
Carmen Izyk
Corinne Frechette
Kendra Cousineau
Laura Guay
Madison Grant
Mahalia Robinson
Kyla Warren
Siobhan Sheerin
Taylor Black
Justine Blatt-Janmatt
Staff:
Jocelyn Barrieau - Head Coach
Mitch Francois - Assistant Coach