Pool A: San Diego Surfers, Boston Belles, ORSU, Philadelphia
The Surfers are the favorite to take home the title for the second year in a row. They have a number of strong players including many that train with the Women Eagles 7's at the OTC. They have more experience than many of the other teams in the competition and that could come up big. They've also done a good job of going outside their region to get matches.
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Boston is the only other team that can realistically take down the Surfers in pool play. The team has played together for a number of years. That will certainly be a big advantage. Also the fact that Pittsburgh is relatively close has to be a benefit. ORSU qualified for the tournament as the third team from the Pacific Coast. They have plenty of fit players but are still learning how to take it to the next level. Philadelphia surprised in MARFU to take a spot but knowing the quality of competition in the region it would be hard to write them off.
Pool B: Atlanta Harlequins, NOVA, Seattle Breakers, Detroit
NOVA have been in a battle with the D.C. Furies all season. That competition has made them seasoned veterans and should have no trouble matching the intensity of nationals. The team also is considered on the favorites to take home the title. The team has consistently produced some of the best players in the country. The Seattle Breakers are starting to produce a few strong players of their own. Asinate Serevi is the real deal and anyone watching this weekend will see why see is considered a candidate for the national team. Atlanta didn't face any competition in the South. That could come back to hurt them but they have proven that they always send out a strong team. Detroit qualified out of the Midwest and will likely finish at the bottom of the pool.
Pool C: Beantown, D.C. Furies, NOVA II, Youngbloodz
The D.C. Furies are the top team in Pool C. Having gone through MARFU the Furies will be ready for nationals. They also want to prove that they are the better team than NOVA having battled them all year. Beantown are the team that will put the greatest pressure on the Furies. They also have a lot of experience. Look for both of these two teams to battle for the top spot in the pool. At the same time, don't count out Youngbloodz. The Minnesota-side was the second best team in the Midwest all year. They weren't as good as the Lions but they still have several national team members. If there is going to be a surprise team at the tournament it will be Youngbloodz. NOVA II entered the competition after the West decided not to send a team. They will be competitive but likely won't challenge for a top spot.
Pool D: Berkeley All Blues, Chicago Lions, Combined Services, Scion
The All Blues will be a tough team to beat but they are missing several of their top players. They were the top team in the Pacific Coast but weren't perfect by any means. Irene Gardner is once again leading the team that will still contend for the title despite their absences. The Chicago Lions will give them a run for their money. Like the men, the Lions were the top team in the Midwest. We think they'll challenge the All Blues and make a deep run in the tournament. The Combined Services and Scion will round out the pool. The Services team will be fit which should give them an advantage. Scion has the advantage of coming from MARFU.