The Kansas City Jazz put their stamp on the Frontier Region women's club 7s chase with a hard-won victory at the Rocky Mountain 7s over the weekend.
The Jazz came away winners and lead the Frontier series, with KC's own Heartland 7s the only other qualifier tournament. But according to coach Maeli Fuimaono, it wasn't easy.
"Saturday was a tough day for us," Fuimaono said. "We learned a lot of lessons, but came out on top."
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Indeed, KC lost to the Rocky Mountain Magic in pool play and barely got by the Magic in the final, 26-21.
Captain Jennifer Page led from the front, especially on defense, and she also "kept the team calm in pressure situations," according to Fuimaono.
Lauren Kuklenski is an excellent kicker and was accurate on restarts and conversions. Her ability to make opponents miss catching her starts got the Jazz on the front foot. A combination of speed and power, epitomized by Chloe Jex, Amanda Hull, and CIara Clawson helped KC to the title.
"Our goals are to grow each week not only as a team but as rugby players," Fuimaono said. "We went from underdogs to having the target on our back so have to stay humble and hungry."
With Rocky Mountain down 26-14 in the final, the Magic scored and converted and raced back for the restart. The Jazz were able to hold on in the final moments.
The Magicians (Rocky Mountain's second side) took third with Black Ice finishing fourth and the She-Wolves of Colorado Springs taking fifth.
Rocky Mountain's only loss of the day was in the final.
Now everyone looks ahead to the Heartland 7s, which takes place this Saturday at Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, MO.
"This coming weekend is big for us and the hard work doesn't stop because Rocky Mountain Magic are definitely coming with everything this weekend to Heartland 7s," Fuimaono said. "We can't rest easy.
Rocky Mountain 7s Scores:
Rocky Mountain Magic 34, Black Ice 5
Kansas City Jazz 22, Magicians 5
Rocky Mountain Magic 34, She-Wolves 0
Kansas City Jazz 27, Black Ice 0
Magicians 37, She-Wolves 0
Rocky Mountain Magic 31, Kansas City Jazz 5
Magicians 36, Black Ice 0
Kansas City Jazz 31, She-Wolves 0
RMM 33, Magicians 14
Black Ice 26, She-Wolves 14
3rd /4th: Magicians W, Black Ice L
Final: Kansas City Jazz 26, Rocky Mountain Magic 21
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