On October 29, 2010 the Glendale Raptors travelled to the Austin, TX for the USA Rugby Women's National Playoffs.  On Saturday, Glendale faced off against the Providence Women, from Providence, NH.  Riddled with injuries, the Raptors demonstrated tremendous depth, fitness, and mental toughness, besting Providence on Saturday, and falling by three tries to last year's National Champion, the San Diego Surfers, on Sunday.

While both Providence and Glendale have similar strengths and styles, the Raptors experience and depth proved to be the difference.  Glendale got on the board first, after Providence kicked out of their red zone, and Bethany Zick and Andrea Prusinski countered.  A quick ruck ensued, and fly half Bethany Humphrey penetrated the retreating defense to score wide of the posts. Providence answered almost immediately, exploiting a missed tackle by Glendale to score, also wide of the posts.  With neither kick converted, the game was tied 5-5.

Just after half, flanker Nicole Delue took a quick pass after a Providence turnover, evaded three defenders, and scored beneath the posts.  The try was converted by Sara Edwards to put Glendale ahead, 12-5.  Very soon after, a series of Glendale penalties brought Providence to their end, and a breakdown in defense allowed the Providence wing into Glendale's try zone, to bring Providence within 2.  The try was not converted.

The final scoring occurred when #8 Taryn Brennan picked weak off a scrum and beat the defense to put Bethany Humphrey into space and the try zone, for her second of the game.  The try was again converted by Edwards, to widen Glendale's lead 19-10.  Providence continued to pressure till the very end of the game, repeatedly striking the midfield.  Centers, Jenna Anderson and Sara Edwards, were vigilant on defense, repeatedly double tackling Providence's centers and inserting fullback, denying them the line break.  All the hard work took its toll though, and #12 Jenna Anderson was forced to leave the game with a knee injury.  Glendale's depth was tested, and the season's work in this area paid off, as replacements Laura Valcore and Heidi Bauer closed out the game with Glendale victorious.

The win against Providence allowed Glendale to advance, along with Chicago North Shore, NOVA, and Belmont Shore.  The unusual "Round of 12" format allows the top 4 tournament seeds first round byes, so all of the advancing teams had their work cut out for them, as they faced teams who did not play Saturday.

Glendale faced off against the San Diego Surfers, last year's National Champions and the tournaments #1 seed.  Despite the tough game Saturday, Glendale came out at a very high pace, with a level of physicality previously unseen.  After 20 minutes in San Diego's end, a series of penalties gave the Surfers field position and a clear shot at the posts.  San Diego slotted the penalty kick to go ahead 3-0.  Almost immediately, the flow reversed itself and San Diego watched the Raptor's Sara Edwards slot a penalty kick to tie up the game 3-3.

San Diego's experience showed itself as they repeatedly beat the Raptors to realign and stack attackers in the midfield.  Repeatedly Glendale's scramble defense, combined with diligent open field tackling by fullback Bethany Zick-Wilson, kept the ensuing line break from doing too much damage, but through subsequent phases the Surfers were able to put two attackers in the try zone. At the end of the first half, the Surfers led 17-3.

After the half, Glendale made some defensive adjustments, pulling from the forwards to augment the back line defense. The impact was significant, and San Diego was held scoreless till very late in the second half, when an attack in Glendale's red zone successfully outflanked the defense.  During the final moments of the game, Glendale flanker Nicole Delue left the field with a knee injury, and wing Maia Johnston stepped into the position.  Glendale did not fade, and continued to pressure San Diego till the final whistle, which came after a final San Diego penalty kick.  Final Score San Diego 26, Glendale 3.

"I couldn't be prouder of the players" said Head Coach Lisa Rosen.  "We've implemented a new game plan, and played the game of the season against San Diego.  Our challenge has always been lack of competition - the fact that the team was able to put in such a tremendous performance against the #1 team in the country says volumes about our focus and commitment this season.  We've struggled with injuries this season.  Players have had their seasons ended by foot injuries, rib injuries, shoulder injuries, and knee injuries.  The fact that we did not let this hold us back from putting in a peak performance at nationals is evidence that we've got athletes from top to bottom.  Having mentally tough, fit, athletic players to step right in when a teammate is hurt means we are doing something right."

Though the Raptors official season is over, the women's developmental side will be hosting the ERRFU U23 All Stars next Saturday, to assist that group in preparation for the LAU All Star tournament.  Kickoff is at 11:00pm, at Infinity Park.

Interested in playing with the Raptors this spring?  Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for details.