University Park, Pa. – With the 15’s season having concluded for both the men’s and women’s teams, focus is now turned to the 7’s game. Both squads will get their first tests this weekend at the Subaru 7’s in Wilmington, Del. Two men’s teams and one women’s team have been entered into the event and will each take the field on Saturday in preparation for the up-coming Collegiate Rugby Championship 7’s Invitational in June.
Several CRC teams highlight the Subaru 7’s men’s bracket, with Army, Navy, North Carolina, and Temple also competing in the tournament. The women’s bracket will feature Navy and Temple. Subaru 7’s serves as the first pre-tournament contests for both programs. The men’s team only played in CRC matches last season, while it is the first year for organized women’s collegiate 7’s. All games will be played at Alapocas Run State Park. Match times have yet to be announced.
NBC will be taping games this weekend in preparation for its duties at the CRC Invitational. Games are said to be aired on the local NBC affiliate later in the day on Saturday.
Selections for the teams have not been finalized, with head coach Pete Steinberg using the play to help narrow his squads down to the required twelve. For the women it will be a heated process, with four players garnering national team experience. Sadie Anderson, Lisa Henneman, Deven Owsiany, and Christiane Pheil have all donned the Eagle jersey for 7’s. On the men’s side, Joe Baker, Arnold Chavis, Mike Erickson, Ben Jannsen, Joanel Joseph, Rey Riboul, Chris Saint, and Greg Voigt will all be trying to re-join this year’s CRC roster.
The men did not win a game during last year’s CRC Invitational and look to change that with the experience gained at the Subaru 7’s. For the women, it will be the first time competing in an organized collegiate format.
In other notes, Chris Karas was named to the Rugbymag.com College Premier Division – Rugby All-East team, through his performance during the spring 15’s slate. The hooker was the only Lion named to the squad. Chris is also vying for a spot on the CRC roster.
Tickets to the Collegiate Rugby Championship 7’s Invitational, held on June 4 & 5 at PPL Park in Philadelphia, can be purchased through www.rugby.psu.edu. Admission costs $45 for the two-day pass, which also includes a free Drop Kick Murphy’s performance following the games on Saturday.
For more information: Jonathan Swart/Sports Information Director of Rugby/JSwart85@gmail.com
