Japan has entered two teams in its tournament. HSBC World Series teams, France and Australia, each have a team competing, and the Netherlands have thrown in their hat as well. The Falcons will face the two Japan teams and France tomorrow, and will have the Netherlands and Australia on Sunday, followed by their final match, depending on how they finish in pool play.
Seven Falcons players have been capped in the 7s game, and of those seven, only five were a part of the Eagles squad that won silver in Sydney on the last World Series stop. Naya Tapper comes in as reigning HSBC Player of the Final, after her 45-point performance in Sydney.
Ryan Carlyle, Nicole Heavirland, Cheta Emba and Kate Zackary comprise the veteran talent for the Falcons, with Zackary captaining the squad. Lily Durbin and Nicole Strasko have also earned 7s caps, but represent some of the youth that will be on display in this squad.
Tia Blythe is coming off an impressive 15s season with the San Diego Surfers, winning the National Championship and earning Club Player of the Year honors. Sam Pankey (yours truly) was also a member of that Surfers squad, and brings her own experience as a capped 15s player.
Kelsi Stockert and Megan Foster, also capped 15s players, round out the squad. Both Stockert and Foster are no stranger to 15s championships themselves, each having won a Club National tournament with their respective clubs, Seattle and Life West.
Andrew Locke, USA Eagles assistant coach, will be at the helm over the weekend. The USA staff hope to give some newer 7s players a chance to demonstrate their talent against international opponents, try out new combinations, and give all players an opportunity to take some risks and try new things within their skill sets.
This tournament is a wonderful opportunity for more field time and a creative outlet for both USA players and staff. However, don't think that development is the only focus in Okinawa. This Falcons squad has sights set on the cup.
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