The Northern California girls all-star team laid down a market in winning the Rocky Mountain Challenge, beating a tough Utah team 24-12 in the final.

In a tournament disrupted somewhat by lightning, Northern California brought the thunder, with a powerful forward performance that helped to unleash a potent back line.

“We have talent from all over NorCal,” said Head Coach Sefesi Green. “But I think the strength of our entire league is in the forward pack. Our plan was to keep it in the forwards early and then create the space for the backs. And that worked well.”

NorCal hammered Colorado 53-0 in the opening game, the only one they were able to play on Saturday before lightning halted the games in Aurora, Colo. Meanwhile, Utah was equally impressive beating Texas 70-0.

On Sunday, those two teams clashes, with NorCal emerging victorious 24-12. Then Green’s team finished the weekend with a 37-0 shutout of Apex from Summit County in Colo.

“Utah was a lot like us,” said Green. “They had a physical pack and were strong in the forwards. I think Apex worried us because of how well they moved the ball. Every time they got the ball to the wing we had four players in support.”

Coached by Green with Rod Chance and Karen Chance providing excellent coaching and management support, Northern California benefited from several standout performances. Danville fullback Sisleti Hingano was superb on the weekend, with Pleasanton back Emily Roskopf also strong. Telesia Tuifuua of Sacramento produced plenty of go-forward and Dixon’s Kiana Suffings broke the line continually at center.

Green could not single out any forwards, as they all performed well. They will get another chance to show their stuff this coming weekend at the Great Northwest Challenge, where they join Oregon, Washington, Montana, and Southern California.