Preparation for Stanford

Penn State will face off against Stanford for the National Championship today at 5pm Pacific time.  This is the 6th year that we have faced each other, and it is the 9th year in the last 10 that Penn State has made the final (also 13th in 15 years!)

The team has just finished a short run through to prepare for Stanford this morning.  We know Stanford pretty well, but they have some new players and have made some adjustments.  Their strength is in their forwards, with centers Amelia Villines and Jennifer Cooperider providing athleticism and skill.  They still have Jess Watkins, who now plays on the wing, and is one of the fastest rugby players in the world. Jess is dangerous when ever she gets around the ball.  Their forwards held their own against a very good Brown pack, but it is when they get some go forward that they are dangerous.  They scored some great tries yesterday against Brown and have the speed to punish any mistakes.

Penn State got through the game pretty healthy, although Marikah Davin is out with a knee injury.  There are always some bumps and bruises on the next day, but we are able to select what we believe is our best lineup against Stanford.  A number of players did not play the whole game, which should allow them to be able to keep going, although Stanford are always very fit.

It should be another great game between the two best women’s rugby teams in the country.  We have a huge amount of respect for Stanford and both teams would like to tour together as th two teams did in 2008 when they went to Canada and played against the Canadian U20 team.

You can follow the team at USA Rugby’s Ustream channel, or at the Penn State Rugby Twitter.

Thanks to everyone that has donated to support the teams trip.  If you have not yet given, it is not too late!  You can give to the annual fund and help the team cover the costs for this trip.