Scion in Atlanta: Day 2

With both its Elite Side and High School Side in the semi-finals of the Atlanta 7's Festival, the Scion Academy had established the foundation for a successful tournament on their first day out. Heading into the second day of play, both sides were looking for more solid defensive stands and cohesive offensive series.

The Scion High School Side hit the ground running in the morning of the second day. Behind solid overall play, they beat a tough Summit team in the semi-finals, sending them into the finals against a very talented Atlantis team. Though they would strike first, Scion couldn't hold onto an early lead. The Atlantis offense was too much for them, and they wound up settling for second in the tournament. Of course, this isn't the result they wanted, however Scion can be proud of a second place finish with their first ever High School Side.

Day 1 for the Scion Elite Side was the Day of Defense, as no team could manage to put points on the board against them. However, Day 2 would start off on a very different footing for the Elites. The Northeast Academy came with their game faces in a snarl and with some great striking lines, were able to draw first blood against Scion. That first score for the NE Academy would also be their last, as the Scion Elites turned up the defensive pressure and turned on their offense. After ticking off 4 tries and an extra two on a kick, they beat the NE Academy 22-5 to move into the finals.

In the finals, the Scion Elites would face a familiar foe in ARPTC. In their first match of the tournament, the Elites held the women out of Arkansas scoreless. However, this recharged ARPTC would make the championship game a little closer, but in the end, not close enough. Scion was led in the finals by some strong runs from Emily Fulbrook and clutch decision making from Kimber Rozier, and they would beat ARPTC 24-5 and claim the Atlanta 7's Festival championship.

All in all, it was a great weekend for the Scion Rugby Academy. Not only were they able to come away with some hardware in their Elite Championship victory, but they sewed the seeds of growth in the Women's Rugby game by fielding their first High School side.

Scion in Atlanta: Day 1

The biggest news of the day, at the Atlanta 7's Tournament, was the USA's 12-5 defeat of New Zealand. Their victory against the Black Ferns landed them on top of their pool with an undefeated record, and gave the hometown crowd a great reason to fill the Kennesaw Stadium with a deluge of jubilant noise. It was an exciting game that gave USA Rugby fans something with which to ignite their American pride.

On the Festival side of the Atlanta 7's event, there was some great rugby as well from all divisions. The Scion Elite side opened the day with a shut-out victory against ARPTC. Led by powerful runs from players like Stacey Bridges and some great defensive play, including key turnovers from Abby Gustaitis, the Elite side maintained control of the ball for most of the game and continuously put points on the board.

In their second match of the day, the Elites once again shut-out their opponents. This time they gave Mad In Sevens a good thrashing. Elizabeth Trujilio was a menace around the breakdown, causing turnover after turnover, and on the offensive end, Sam Pankey put up a hat trick to give Scion a very large and sharp edge in this match.

The Scion High School Side played some stellar rugby as well. Like the Elite side, they went 2-0 on the day, beating the Norfolk Harvesters and Glendale. For the High School Side, going undefeated is a special thing, since this is the first time that some of these young ladies have ever played together.

However, with a team that was fully willing to work together and work with a wide range of talent-- bruisers like birthday girl, Hannah Moran, speedsters like Daz Williams, and work horses like Mikayla Lowe--the Scion High School Side was not only able to take the 'W' in both of their games, they showcased some great skill.

Both the Scion Elite Side and the Scion High School Side will compete in their divisions' semi-final rounds tomorrow morning, and both hope to bring home the cup from the Atlanta 7's Festival.