Women’s Eagles finish 5th in Rio

The USA overcame a slow start against France to come away 19-5 winners at Deodoro Stadium on Monday, in doing so finishing in 5th overall at the Olympic Games. A try by Camille Grassineau had the French up by seven points to nil at the break, but whatever coach Richie Walker said at halftime seemed to have worked as the Eagles emerged inspired for the second half.

Alev Kelter wasted no time as she picked up a loose ball from the kickoff and sped away, converting her own try to even the scores with only a minute played in the half. Next it was the sheer pace of Jessica Javelet, a threat all tournament, that left two defenders grasping for air for the lead down the sideline. Joanne Fa’avesi closed out the scoring soon after, pushing off Pauline Biscarat to cross for the final try.

The 5th place finish is one spot higher than their 6th spot on the HSBC Sevens Series table. A 12-all draw against Australia will also be a highlight from what has been a strong showing for the Women’s Eagles.

WOMEN’S EAGLES 7s
Bui Baravilala, Ryan Carlyle, Lauren Doyle, Joanne Fa’avesi, Carmen Farmer, Victoria Folayan, Kelly Griffin (capt.), Jessica Javelet, Kathryn Johnson, Alev Kelter, Jillion Potter, Richelle Stephens

RESULTS
USA 7 – 12 Fiji (Pool A)
USA 48 – 0 Colombia (Pool A)
Australia 12 – 12 USA (Pool A)
New Zealand 5 – 0 USA (Medal QF)
Fiji 7 – 12 USA (5th SF)
France 5 – 19 USA (5th FINAL)