The Women’s USA Stars had a spotless Day One and on Day Two made the final at the Mana Whey Fiji Coral Coast 7s, but failed to close it out.

Playing in Sigatoka in Fiji, the Stars defeated a Fijiana National Team development side, and earned the #1 seed in the Cup Quarterfinals after an excellent first day.  

In the first match of the knockout rounds, the Stars continued their excellent form, beating Hotsprings Savusavu 29-0, and earning a berth in the Cup Semifinal to face the Hong Kong Women’s team.

The Stars controlled possession and territory for most of the match, and led by a try over their international opponent as the full-time hooter sounded.  

Having just been awarded a penalty as well, the USA invitational side, which featured Americans Corrine Heavner (Penn State) and Miranda Rodriguez (Chicago Griffins), needed only to tap the ball and launch it towards the throng of spectators that lined the pitch side berm to end the match and secure their place in the Cup Final.

But anyone who has ever played sevens under the South Pacific sun knows that the combination of heat and humidity in Fiji can be the greatest foe of mental clarity. Instead of ending the game, the penalty was tapped and carried into contact.  Faster than you can say Bula!, Hong Kong had forced a turnover and a yellow card by the American side, and were dotting down a long-distance try.  Final Score: Hong Kong 19, USA Stars 17.

The Striders from Suva became the first club team from Fiji to win the Crest Na Iri Trophy, beating Hong Kong in the final, 19-12.

The Stars Women will have undoubtedly taken comfort in a bowl or two of kava, and with their tournament in the rear view, will focus now on supporting their male counterparts in the men’s tournament.   

The Men’s Stars started their campaign with a 10-5 win over local team BLK Iron Courage, but then dropped their final two in pool play to Cross of Victory Taveuni and 2016 Fiji Coral Coast 7s Champion, Wardens.  

-- Brian Hightower

Former USA sevens team captain Brian Hightower players for the USA sevens and 15s teams, and works as an announcer and analyst for a variety of outlets.