Waukesha, WI–Hamilton joined a number of teams across the state to play in a tournament honoring the late journalist James Foley who was held hostage for years before being executed by ISIS while covering the civil war in Syria. Foley played rugby at Marquette with a number of coaches in the league.
The team opened the morning with three sevens games against Catholic Memorial, DSHA, and Stevens Point. Since it was an exhibition tournament, Hamilton used the opportunity to develop new and up-and-coming players.
The team lost to CMH 27-5 and DSHA 37-10. Freshman Rosie Eelsey had a pair of tries in those games and Sophomore Clara Hoeksema scored a try in what was just her second sevens game.
Hamilton finished up their sevens play with a 22-15 win over Stevens Point. The Harriers jumped out to a 22-0 lead with scores by Eesley, Hoeksema. Lakyn Graves, sophomore, also scored in what was her rugby debut. Senior Sarah Michalski added a try to end the half. Stevens Point fought back, taking advantage of a shorthanded Hamilton when Michalski went down with a injury, but Hamilton was able to hang on for the win.
As the tournament transitioned into 10s rugby, the intermission was marked by a game played by the coaches. It should be noted that coach Vic, Snooki, and Holloway scored tries in the game, but Coach Mac did not, and she should be reminded of this whenever possible.
Hamilton opened their 10s game against Brookfield and became quickly frustrated by Brookfield’s tough play and their ability to fend off tackles. Senior Elise Rades’ score helped keep the game within a try at half, but the Harriers lost their steam in the second half and fell 36-12. Senior Mykayla Pena also scored in the game.
The girls played their final 10s match against Stevens Point and defeated the Panthers 19-17. Much like their 7s game earlier in the day, Hamilton held a 19-0 lead at half thanks to tries by Pena, Rades, and senior Alex Werra. After some substitutions to get more Hamilton players involved, Stevens Point was able to get some tries back but fell short of a comeback.
–Eesley has been firing at all cylinders this spring, scoring three tries in each of the first two tournaments.
–Hamilton is now 5-0 against Stevens Point in all competitions.
–The Harriers struggles continue against Brookfield. They are 1-4 against the Bruisers in all competitions.
–Hamilton made their spring season debut last year at the Foley Memorial tournament. In 2018, it was just a sevens tournament and Hamilton went 1-1-1.
–The Harriers had an unfortunate string of injuries at the tournament. Michalski and freshman MacKenna Deede suffered knee injuries and senior Calla Dane fractured her nose.
–Graves and Hoeksema’s hard work in practice was rewarded as they were named captains of the sevens team despite never playing in a sevens rugby game. Both scored the first tries of their career.
–Freshman Ayana Phelps and senior Sydney Raymond were named captains of the 10s teams.
–Hamilton returns to Wisco-7s play this weekend at the Brookfield Bruisers home field in Menomonee Falls.
Fantastic Five
- Calla Dane
- Was fearless in rucking and tackling. Keep the energy up despite the heat and tough opponents.
- Rosie Eesley
- Led the team with three tries.
- Clara Hoekesma
- Impressed in aspects of the game in her first tournament and scored two tries.
- Mykayla Pena
- Had two tries against two tough opponents and was reliable on defense.
- MacKenna Deede
- Had a career day on defense. Had a try-saving tackle and tackled a girl three times her size before leaving the game with an injury.
Hamilton RFC 