If the Eagles want to finish in the top four on the Women's Sevens Series they need to have a massive showing in Atlanta. After this weekend the Series hits it's halfway mark and unless the Eagles can make the Cup semi-finals they risk finding themselves essentially shut out of automatic Olympic qualification. They will still qualify for the Olympics but if the Series is an indicator of who might medal in Rio the U.S. can't be considered among the favorites. Through two stops the U.S. has 18 points while France, who sit fourth, have 28. That's a sizable gap but one that can be overcome.
Fortunately for the Women Eagles they have been given a draw which should allow them to make the Cup quarterfinals once again. They should beat South Africa handily but must beat Russia and hold New Zealand close. If they don't it has to be considered a step backward. Let's hope that's not the case.
Take the jump to read more.
The Squad
Head coach Ric Suggitt has made two changes to his team. Bui Baravilala returns to the team after a long absence. If she can live up to her standard of play from her previous stint with the team then she will be a real asset. The other change is Kate Zackary who will make her debut. Missing out from Brazil is Dana Meschisi and Melissa Fowler. The core of the team returns led by Kelly Griffin, Vix Folayan, and Lauren Doyle. Kristen Thomas was the revelation of Brazil but now team's have seen what she's about it will be interesting to see if other teams focus on her.
If the Eagles want to have more success this week than in the past they are going to need players like Megan Bonny, Jessica Javelet, and Hannah Lopez to step up. They have all played well with the Eagles before, especially Javelet who shined in Atlanta last year, but they all need to be functioning at a high level at the same time. Javelet has great speed but she has had a tendency to be a liability for her team more than she has contributed so far this season.
Team: Vix Folyan, Megan Bonny, Bui Baravilala, Lauren Doyle, Kelly Griffin, Jessica Javelet, Kathryn Johnson, Alev Kelter, Hannah Lopez, Nana Fa'Avesi, Kristen Thomas, Kate Zackary
The Opponents
South Africa (1:50 p.m. et/10:50 a.m. pt): The U.S. has yet to play South Africa this season as they haven't been matched in pool play and South Africa have consistently found themselves in the Bowl competition. This is a match the U.S. needs to win and win big. If it comes down to point differential again the Eagles don't want to be caught without racking up a big win.
Russia (4:34 p.m. et/1:34 p.m. pt): The U.S. will play Russia in pool play for the second time this season. The previously played in Dubai where the U.S. won in pool play 17-12 and then in the 7th/8th place match 22-20. Being able to beat Russia consistently will be key to a successful season. The U.S. are only four points ahead of Russia in the standings and they need to increase their advantage.
New Zealand (6:56 p.m. et/3:56 p.m. pt): The U.S. hasn't beaten New Zealand this year but no team can say that. The positive is that the U.S. has played New Zealand well this year. That has limited the damage and allowed them to make the Cup round each time out.
The Keys to the Tournament
Score: If there is one thing the Eagles have been able to do this year it's put up points. They need to keep doing that and bury teams straight from the start. With players like Thomas, Javelet, and Folayan on the roster they have the capability.
Beat Russia: We said it just a few paragraphs above but the U.S. cannot lose to Russia. They have to be beating teams around them in the standings.
Cup semi-finals: If the U.S. want to have a legitimate shot at making the top four they have to make it to the Cup semi-finals. The top four have remained the same in both tournaments this year and they risk sealing off the places permanently with another win.
Stay Patient: The men's Eagles at times got ahead of themselves in Vegas and times and it led to errors. When they controlled themselves they rode that to a top four finish. The women's Eagles have the same potential if they feed off the crowd.
The Takeaway
The set-up is there for the Eagles to make the Cup quarterfinals. Anything short would be a disaster but we don't see it happening. We think the U.S. beats both South Africa and Russia before falling to New Zealand. We also see them being a surprise making it to the Cup semi-finals.