USA Women Dominate Kazakhstan in World Cup Opener
For Immediate Release
August 20, 2010
USA Women Dominate Kazakhstan in Opener
The first Pool B match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup concluded with the USA putting a definitive stamp on the competition.
GUILDFORD, England – The USA Rugby Women’s National Team defeated Kazakhstan by a score of 51- 0 at Surrey Sports Park in Guildford. Christy Ringgenberg tallied 26 points and involved many of her teammates in attack to secure a massive victory in the opener.
The scoring started off the boot of Ringgenberg as she slotted a penalty kick, capitalizing on an early Kazakhstan infraction. With a quick break down the touch line, Nathalie Marchino went over for the first try of the day. Ringgenberg converted and the Eagles found themselves ahead with seven points. Ringgenberg was not only a threat at kicking for points, but with ball in hand, she proved to be extremely evasive. The USA continued the attack after a short lapse in momentum due to frustrating penalties. Ringgenberg added another three points just before the half, making it 13-0.
“We struggled with adjustment around the breakdown at first in terms of penalties, but we were able to solve the issue, making it easier for our backs to run free,” said Head Coach, Kathy Flores.
Ringgenberg added, “We feel like one of our strengths is getting the ball to the outside and we have been working to involve the wings more; we are refining our attack with every new opportunity.”
Second half scoring started very shortly after the restart with Victoria Folayan breaking the line and Ringgenberg finishing with a try. With a successful conversion, the score was 20-0 as the Eagles began to pull away. Marchino and Amy Daniels stopped the attack of Kazakhstan with chasing tackles and stout defense all around. A try by fullback Ashley Kmiecik and a conversion gave the USA a 27 point lead. Flanker Phaidra Knight drove over the try line for another five points, but the conversion missed, putting the Eagles ahead, 32-0. The USA continued to go forward and Ringgenberg went over for another try thanks to her captain, Jamie Burke, who broke play wide open with a strong forward charge. Burke was replaced by Douglas as Ringgenberg slotted the conversion.
“So many of our points came out of necessary adjustments. We were able to find the right mix of attack and ball retention when it was needed,” said match captain, Burke.
Marchino continued her impressive form as she offloaded to Daniels to bring the tally to 44 points for the USA. Marchino then found her own reward while sprinting over for a try with time winding down. Women Eagles veteran, Ashley English, came on shortly after to build towards the USA’s next match against Ireland on Tuesday, August 20, 2010. With one last successful Ringgenberg conversion, the scoring ended with the USA racking up a total of 51 points against Kazakhstan.
USA 51, Kazakhstan 0
Trys: Marchino (2), Ringgenberg (2), Kmiecik, Knight, Daniels
Conversions: Ringgenberg (5) Penalties: Ringgenberg (2)
USA: 1. Jamie Burke (Farrah Douglas), 2. Lisa Butts, 3. Naima Reddick, 4. Beckett Royce (Stacey Bridges), 5. Sharon Blaney, 6. Phaidra Knight, 7. Kristin Zdanczewicz (Kittery Wagner), 8. Mel Denham, 9. Kim Magrini, 10. Christy Ringgenberg, 11. Victoria Folayan, 12. Emilie Bydwell, 13. Amy Daniels, 14. Nathalie Marchino, 15. Ashley Kmiecik (Ashley English).
Kazakhstan: 1. Natalya Kamendrovskaya, 2. Tatyana Ashikhmina, 3. Tatyana Pshenichnaya, 4. Svetlana Karatygina, 5. Marianna Balashova, 6. Alfiya Mustafina, 7. Irina Radzivil, 8. Anna Yakovleva, 9. Anastassiya Khamova, 10. Tatyana Tur, 11. Irina Amossova, 12. Amina Baratova, 13. Olga Kumanikina, 14. Svetlana Klyucknikova, 15. Aigerym Daurembayeva.
Further Information:
Katie Wurst, USA Rugby’s Women’s National Team Communication Manager, 303-539-0300 ext. 124, email kwurst@usarugby.org.
Andrea Wiggins, IRB Communications Manager, +353 (0)86-040-3950, email: andrea.wiggins@irb.com.
