Character Focus Drives NC Girls All-Stars to NorthState Win
Character Focus Drives NC Girls All-Stars to NorthState Win
The North Carolina girls team controlled their own destiny throughout this past weekend’s NorthState Tournament in Greensboro, NC, winning all four games and allowing just three tries in the process.
The North Carolina Blue team beat NC Grey 57-0, Atlantis 15-7, Ohio 20-0, and Valkyries out of Georgia 29-12.
“I’m incredibly proud of our girls,” said Head Coach Jameson Bonti, who coaches at AIC. “We faced different forms of adversity throughout the tournament and our ability to adapt and overcome lead to our success. Our roles may change, but our rugby Family always comes first.”
Captains Olivia Spremberg, who plays center, and Sarah Lyons, who is a flanker, were the leaders. With Spremberg at #12, she was able to work closely with flyhalf Lillian Desoto to orchestrate play across the pitch. Bonti praised her selflessness.
“Our focus was to force the match to be played in the opposition 22, trust each other to execute our defensive responsibilities, and ultimately our pressure would break them down,” explained Bonti. “When on defense and needing a spark, Sarah Lyons led by example, always ready to step up and do the dirty work, Sarah is someone that others naturally follow— a North Star—that always looks to help others rise.”
With ball in hand NC got a big performance from Erneasia Vinton at flanker, who carried superbly.
“Evie is a young player to keep an eye on with an exciting future,” said Bonti.
But the performances came from how the team put itself together.
“We are character- and integrity focused,” said Bonti. “Our official title is ‘All-Star,’ but we're a culture-first program. In order to join our Family, the Family must come first. As the coach, I'm the lucky one.”