After a couple years of coming close, Danville has its first Northern California girls high school title. But it wasn’t easy. Sacramento, despite its ups and downs this season, was ready to defend its territory, but ultimately the Lady Oaks, in their third year of existence, prevailed 41-38.

“The players didn’t really celebrate after the game,” Danville coach Simi Hingano said. “I think they were relieved that they won, and that part of our goal has been accomplished. We’ve been working really hard this year, and we’re happy that we’ve achieved this milestone.”

The score was somewhat surprising – not because Danville won, but because the Amazons played it was so close. After dominating the pre-season tournament in January, Sacramento endured a number of setbacks on which Danville and Pleasanton capitalized for league wins. Injuries and personnel issues, among other factors, eventually forced Sacramento coach Sefesi Green to withdraw his side from the national high school championship in Pittsburgh, Pa.

“It was worthy of a championship match, especially for NorCal,” Green said after the title bout. “Both teams showed great heart. I was very proud of both teams. Our girls gave everything they had. We did have the same players out from the last time we met, but worked really hard in developing our young and new players to where they are now. We just had to adapt. The vets went out there and led the way.”

Danville scored first, but then the Amazons took the lead with a converted try. The eventual champions answered with back-to-back scores and went into the break up 19-12. The teams continued trading tries throughout the second half, and the points differential never exceeded 10 points. The Lady Oaks were able to retain its lead for the three-point win.

“We expected a hard-fought game,” Hingano said of the back-and-forth affair. “The Amazons came to play, and although we could have played better defense, we were well prepared. Most of the team has been playing together for the past three years – I have two starting wings who are new – and we are playing with a lot of confidence right now.”

That confidence has been building the last couple of years but received a significant boost when the Lady Oaks competed at the Fullerton Invitational last month. Danville beat a quality Canadian team, Abbottsford, as well as four-time national champion Fallbrook.

“When we played Fallbrook, I didn’t know where we were at, so I was pleasantly surprised at our level of play,” Hingano said of the tournament win. “At this point, there is nothing that can stop us offensively; we can score on anyone. The team is fitter, we’ve improved a lot, and now they have the confidence that they can play at a very high level.”

Hingano’s daughters – senior fullback Leti (who has committed to BYU for fall 2015) and junior outside center Mata – are prime examples of the level at which Danville can play. The High School All Americans are hard, fearless and highly skilled – simply exciting players. The forwards are a mature unit. Forwards captain Diana Manoa leads the charge from flanker, while junior No. 8 Caroline Lomu adds some punch from the base. Hooker Melehoko Lata is also very physical and at the epicenter of Danville’s stolen put-ins.

“I like where we are at this point,” Hingano said. “We’ve got the fundamentals and playing scheme down, so I’m working on their mental game. In rugby, there’s no moment where you can rest; you always have to think. And that’s where we can still improve.”

Hingano confessed that his team is eager to return to nationals (May 16-17). The team has something to prove, so the squad is still humble, still working to peak in Pittsburgh.