Even though the squads are billed as High School All Americans, the two girls’ teams at the LVI featured a handful of players who are currently in their second season of college rugby. And they’re coming from very successful programs: Penn State, Davenport, Notre Dame College, Ohio State and Central Washington.

CWU has two representatives in Las Vegas: freshmen Ashley Rolsma and Queen Fina Toetuu, who played on the same All American side today and helped their team to a 3-0 (99-15) day over British Columbia, Edmonton and Orem. They know what it’s like to be a “program first,” as they joined the Wildcats in its inaugural DI varsity season.

“It feels special because we’re the first ones to start this all up,” Rolsma said of being the first High School All Americans to play in international competition.

“We want to set a high standard for the next All Americans,” Foetuu said. “Being the first ones, you want to be known as a really great team.”

That’s a lot of pressure, but the pair are handling it well. They live in a professional environment, so their lives aren’t punctuated by all-star assemblies.

“They prepared us a lot,” Toetuu said of CWU coaches Mel Denham and Katie Dowty, who was coaching the Washington Loggers today. “We’re coming from the college level and have taken all the lesson from our coaches – who played for the USA Eagles. I have a lot more confidence and feel more knowledgeable [about the game].”

This experience isn’t lost on the USA Rugby coaching staff, which heap more responsibility on these players. Their leadership abilities were put to the test today, as opponents were eager to be the first victors over the All Americans.

“Sometimes fighting happens, people trying to put out punches, but we try to keep it cool,” Toetuu said. “It’s rugby; it’s going to happen.”

“When you play a team that’s as physical as you are, that’s how it is,” Rolsma added. “Emotions fly. It’s a tough sport, so it’s going to get physical. … And teams play at a higher standard because they want to beat the name.”

But that’s why these players are here. They recognize pressure and perform through it. Rolsma and Foetuu don’t have a ton of 7s experience between them, but their fast, adventurous style of play suits the game.

“Sevens is a higher pace – more intense – for me,” said Rolsma, who plays wing for Central Washington. “It’s a lot of one-on-ones. There’s a lot of pressure because it’s quick, and you have to have a high work rate.”

The pressure will mount tomorrow, as both All American teams take the top seeds into the Cup quarterfinals. It would be no surprise if they faced each other in the final, which occurs at 1 p.m.