WPL Rugby Match Report: Minnesota Valkyries vs. Berkeley All-Blues

Welcome to YSC Intern Jenny Menke's report! She will be bringing us coverage for the Minnesota Valkyries and their games during the WPL. See below for her first post covering the Valkyries vs. Berkeley.

The Minnesota Valkyries' first Women’s Premier League match was held Sunday at Columbia Heights in Minneapolis against the Berkeley All-Blues.

The Valkyries opened strongly against their opponents, attacking the All-Blues’ deep into their own half and setting up Christy Ringgenberg for the penalty kick opportunity. Ringgenberg missed her kick, pushing the Valks back again and opening up for Berkeley’s attack. At half, the score lay at 0-19 with the All-Blues scoring three tries and two conversions.

Unable to respond to Berkeley’s speed on the outside, the Valkyries gave up three more tries and finished the game at 0-38. Minnesota, never a team to give up in a game, displayed ferocious tenacity and heart during the last 10 minutes, stopping Berkeley’s pack from advancing over the try line.

Accolades are given to the Valkyrie reserves who entered the game: Sarah Walsh and Sarah Chobot came in at half, inspiring a forward attack that put Berkeley on its back foot. Tracy Call made a number of try-saving tackles on the sideline, allowing her support time to arrive and control the attack. Meredith Mrachek and Rachel McCabe, both new to the pack, proved they will bring strength to the squad.

The Minnesota Valkyries next take on ORSU in Portland on Sept. 13.

Minnesota Roster

1. Libby Berg
2. Laura Gill
3. Jen Triemstra
4. Jenny Menke
5. Garnet Towne
6. Gabe Fidelman
7. Kristin Zdanczewicz
8. Angie Heifort
9. Katy Hertel
10. Mel Kanuk
11. Dez Markovich
12. Kristy Lear
13. Lauren Felton
14. Sarah Reuter
15. Christy Ringgenberg
16. Rachel McCabe (for 3 at 76)
17. Sarah Walsh (for 8 at half)
18. Sarah Chobot (for 6 at half)
19. Sarah Roehl (for 4 at 72)
20. Tracy Call (for 14 at 28)
21. Justina DeBruzzi
22. Meredith Mrachek (for 2 at 56)

WPL Match Reports/Coach and Player Interviews

8/31/2009: Master WPL Scoreboard
8/31/2009: ORSU vs Mudhens Friendly Match Report (pre WPL season, by Intern Angelique)
9/1/2009: Overview of WPL Teams (by YSC Intern Ashley)
9/3/2009: Coaching Spotlight: Keystone
9/7/2009: Amazons vs ORSU Match Report (by YSC Intern Garrett)
9/7/2009: Minnesota Valkyries vs Berkeley Match Report (by YSC Intern Jenny)
9/7/2009: New York vs Beantown Match Report (by YSC Intern Becca)
9/7/2009: Keystone vs DC Furies Match Report (by YSC Intern Ashley)

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