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Cornell's Crapster-Pregont named to U.S. National Squad
Cornell's Crapster-Pregont named to U.S. National Squad - Aug 13, 2007
Will compete in Canadian Series, August 27-29
Cornell's Crapster-Pregont named to U.S. National Squad
Article courtesy of Goff on Rugby:
August 7, 2007 - The US national women's team yesterday announced the
squad of players set to play Canada August 27 and 29. Cornell's Meg Crapster-Pregont (Cornell University) was named to the squad.
The series of matches was intended to be something of an NA4 for women, but has now been reduced to two games between the same two squads. The games will be held at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minn. The Eagles will assemble Friday, August 24 to prepare for the two matches.
Head coach Kathy Flores was true to her word to target youth, as only a few players from last year's World Cup squad, notable flanker Kristen Zdancewicz and prop Jamie Burke, are back for 2007 and the beginning of new World Cup cycle.
Several players who were first exposed to international play through the 7s program are in, as well as a host of graduates from the USA U23 team.
In addition, Flores has selected for the first time a graduate of the
four-year-old U19 program, with Cornell standout Meg Crapster-Pregont
given a shot.
And while the top clubs like Berkeley, Minnesota and New York have players on this club, Philadelphia has four players names, and Cleveland also has one names as NASC MVP Sara Leary is on the squad.
Many questions remain regarding the USA women's team. With Burke a star already at prop, Mari Wallace back at hooker, and Zdancewicz the queen of the back row, there remains huge questions about who will patrol the lock position. Scrumhalf, too, is open, but there are several experienced players, probably led by previously-capped Rose Whitmore, there. Flyhalf is compeltely wide open. Flores brought in Heather Hale to play there in 2006, opting for experience. Now she has youth and someone who needs to step up.
If someone does, they have a host of very talented players on the outside.
USA Squad for August Tests with Canada:
Stacy Baker (Philadelphia). Tight five forward, but projects to prop,
where she's a terror with the ball.
Stacy Bennett (NOVA) flanker and another one who has been knocking on the door.
Jamie Burke (Berkeley) A revelation at the World Cup, Burke is a young and
enormously powerful prop who can get around the park.
Lisa Butts (Unattached) Looks to be hooker as she is too short for No. 8,
where she often played at Chico State. Unflinching player.
Meg Crapster-Pregont (Cornell University) Becomes, we believe, the first
member of the USA U19 program to make the senior national team.
Mel Denham (Beantown) flanke or No. 8, it's surprising how few No. 8s
there are in this squad.
Liz Dilley (Washington) Flanker with a lot of pace she has been an
outstanding 7s player for some time.
Farrah Douglas (Chicago Northshore) One of the more experienced players
brought in here. A calm and intelligent presence on the field and a strong
prop forward.
Carrie Dubray (New York). A very athletic front row forward, she was a
thrower for the University of Vermont Track & Field team, an activitie
that just begs you to make her a prop or hooker. Player in three World Cup
games.
Allyson Hemstreet (Berkeley). Was captain of Cal last season and this
flanker moved right on into being a part of the All Blues.
Katy Hertel (Minnesota Valkyries). Another player who cut her
international teeth with the 7s program. Quick enough to play wing at 7s,
but actually a scrumhalf.
Heather Jennings (Seattle). Front rower in a battle to show something.
Mel Kanuk (Maryland). A flyhalf/center, she has a lot of opportunities to
become the chief playmaker.
Ashley Kmiecik (Emerald City). Her name is spelled with two "i"s. A former
All American from little-noticed Washington State University, she is now
an experienced flyhalf who has impressed in every level despite not
exactly playing for world-beaters.
Lynelle Kugler (Glendale) Tall and mobile lock/loose forward, Kugler has
been another 7s fixture waiting her shot in XVs. She's been a strong
player for the West.
Jamie Lange (Glendale) Lock. Lots of room at lock.
Sara Leary (Cleveland). She plays for little-followed Cleveland but she
was the most exciting thing on the field for the Midwest at the NASC. Said
USA head coach Kathy Flores: "Sara Leary was MVP because she displayed
poise and toughness under pressure at the fullback position. Not to take
away from her speed - however it requires mentally strong and disciplined
players at the fullback position who have the composure to catch, kick and
run under the slimmest of circumstances, which she did. "
Nathalie Marchino (Berkeley). A nifty outside back
Vanesha McGee (Philadelphia) Very quick and one of those players who is a
threat to go any time she has space.
Jenny Menke (Minnesota Valkyries) A lock in a wide open field.
San Juanita Moreno (ORSU). Product of the impressive Western Oregon
program. She's a young center with potential.
Elise Myer (Philadelphia) Judging by their picks for this squad, the
Philadelphia backline should kill this year.
Chris Trucano (Twin Cities) One of the pistons that drives the Amazons
engine. Can play prop or lock
Jossy Tseng (Stanford) One of the few specialist #10s here, she has a huge
chance to stake a claim to that position.
Kitt Wagner (Beantown) Another good 7s player. Very quick, very
knowledgeable.
Mari Wallace (Berkeley) Hooker or prop, Wallace is only 27 and moving into
prime time for that position. She was, along with Danielle Miller, the
regular hooker for the Eagles last year.
Maura Meikman (New York). Coming on very strong as a center for New York.
Sheara Williamson (Philadelphia) Wing. Another Philly back.
Rose Whitmore (Berkeley). Possibly the inside track for scrumhalf, she was
an Eagle and then slipped away from favor.
Wendy Young (Austin). Austin's scrumhalf and pretty much part of the heart
and soul of that club.
Kristen Zdancewicz (Minnesota Valkyries). Quite possibly the best player
for the entire World Cup tournament, "Ham" is the heir apparent to lead
this team, whether as captain or simply by example. She is very strong,
loves the contact, and is always around the ball. If you're going to build
a team around someone, you could do worse.
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