On Saturday 03/18 the Santa Monica women's rugby club made the trip to Lehi Sports Park in Mesa Az to take on the Tempe Ninjas . This was an important game for the women of Tempe as they gear up to make another run for the national title in their division. The last time the two sides met earlier this year, the Dolphins were able to snag a victory from the Ninjas on home field. This game gave Tempe a chance to answer back and make a statement .
The ninjas are also happy to have some key players back from injury. Plagued by injuries at key positions the squad struggled a bit in the first part of the season but this Saturday the team had most of its stars back on the field and it definitely showed. " We had a lot of injuries from the 7s season which made us move some of the players around to different positions . we had to get creative, especially in the backs . We still have some injuries we are dealing with but some of the girls are back . We should have a good game today " Lavi Taumoepeau - coach Tempe Ninjas
From the 1st whistle it was All Ninjas all day. The women definitely came out to play. The forwards took no time to start marching the ball down the field with strong runs and very good communication in tight spaces . The tight five controlled the pace up front pretty much for the entirety of the game . The well orchestrated rucks gave scrumhalf Tina Aprahamian, who controlled the game very well, the chance to put her strong running back row in into motion. Their strategy proved to be devastating for the opposition defense. Captain Chloey Jex from the number 8 position had a massive day at the office and made serious ground every time she carried the ball . Backs for the day were orchestrated by fly-half Isabella Macca who took advantage of her strong running centers Tori Froh and Sydney Dudley and together they were able to craft fun to watch attacks that resulted in very entertaining scores.The good offensive strategy implemented by the Tempe coaches combined with very tight and aggressive defense earned the Tempe side a very well deserved win .
Next,Tempe will face Belmont shore in CA on April 1st.
All Pictures are free to download and use by all players, their friends and families .Not for commercial use.
