Santa Monica Women Fall in 15s Pacific Super Regional

The Santa Monica women’s team advanced to Pacific Regionals for the second straight year in Henderson, Nevada, playing Friday, April 24, against Berkeley All Blues. Though the top seed, Santa Monica would be playing the former Women’s Premier League team who hadn’t competed in division 1 club rugby since 2009.

Santa Monica jumped out early and led for most of the match, but with 10 minutes to go, All Blues were able to tie at 40-40, and then take the lead in the closing stanza. SMRC would be denied again at regionals, losing 40-57. Tries came from Elona Williams, Izzy Cerullo, Nia Toliver and Nina Poloukhine, with 5 conversions from Catherine Montgomery.

Thanks to all the fans who contributed to the fundraising drive. The women really felt the support. The vans, the hotels — all covered by your generous donations. The Club is grateful, and this team is going to keep climbing.

The women’s team restart trainings in late May, with qualifier tournaments coming up in Long Beach on June 27, in San Diego on July 11, and hosting at home in Santa Monica on July 18.