State Final Preview

The 2014 WGR State Championship Tournament takes place Sunday at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex at 60th and Ryan Rd. in Franklin.

There will be a $2 admission at the gate, in addition to T-Shirt sales.  Along with the annual WGR Bake Sale, all proceeds help off set the cost of running the event and support the development of girls youth rugby.

Championship  7pm      Catholic Memorial   v DSHA
3rd Place          530pm   Brookfield                 v DSHA jv
5th Place          4pm       Fond Du Lac             v Vernon
7th Place          230pm   Kettle Moraine          v Oak Creek
9th Place          130pm   Muskego                    v Appleton

The Championship Match:  7pm
Catholic Memorial High School v Divine Savior Holy Angels High School

Another chapter will be added to the Dashers-Crusader's rivalry. 

For the Dashers:  This is one of the most experienced sides they've ever fielded.  Couple that with a wonderful team spirit, leadership, strong playing numbers, and a great coaching staff, and it's clear why they continue to find success.  They appear deep as well, as the commitment to coaching a second competitive side in the league continues to help them develop players.  Recruiting 57 players from a school of 600 is remarkable.

For the Crusaders:  This is a team of warriors.  About 19 strong, everyone appears to contribute and they have the advantage of having a core of players who have played virtually every minute of every match.  Likewise, their success at a school with a little over 300 girls in it is also remarkable.

The 3rd Place Match: 5:30pm
Brookfield Bruisers v Divine Savior Holy Angels jv

For the Bruisers:   Their defensive organization continues to improve and they have strength and speed throughout the middle of the field.   With good playing numbers, the Bruiser's have a chance to win medals for the first time in years.  Their coaching staff has done well to provide playing opportunities to girls at schools new to WGR, places like Whitnal High School and beyond. 

For the young Dashers:   A team filled with athleticism and skill, they can play with anybody.  They were susceptible in the breakdown early in the year, but have improved dramatically there over the last month.  The only question of them in this match is whether any key starters will be held out for the varsity match, and consequently how will even younger players respond to the challenge/opportunity of stepping up.

The 5th Place Match / Challenger Bracket Finals   4pm
Fond Du Lac v Vernon

For the Sirens: Bursting with athleticism, Fond Du Lac has shown they can score some points and have played exciting rugby all fall.  How will they do against a very organized and physical defense?

For the Harlequins:  They've had a nice season and are finishing strong, adding several wins in a row after a challenging early schedule.  Certainly watch their hard running 10 and 12 combination and a physical forward pack.

The 7th Place Match / Challenger Bracket Consolation Final  230pm
Kettle Moraine v Oak Creek

For the Knightmares:  They are a very athletic bunch.  While their seniors form the core of the team, it should be worth seeing the mix of new talents as well,  like center Morgan Saenz and loosey Sommer Arndt.

For the Knights:  We could say the same of the young Oak Creek Knights, an athletic bunch with some new talents emerging to go along with "young veteran" Megan Bird.  They might be the youngest team in the conference.

The 9th Place Match 1:30pm
Muskego v Appleton

for the Warriors:  After a bye week to mend, prepare, and finish strong, watch for the strong tackling of Jolyssa Kotarak and company. 

for the Dragons:  The Appleton ladies will be looking to end their season with a victory.  Jacquelyn Helmied continues to impress opponents with her defense.