There’s a lot of finger-pointing within the Pennsylvania girls high school league – the good kind. When North Bay beat both Downingtown (19-12) and Doylestown (51-10), coach Scott Hoffman was humble in victory and pointed toward North Penn as a potential state powerhouse. Valkyries coach Jesse Richter confirmed that 2015 could be a special year, but also suggested looking at State College as a contender. Bernie Cantorna is coaching a young, athletic State College and hesitated emphasizing his team’s 12-5 win over North Penn, and recommended Joe Capp’s Penn Legacy (formerly Hempfield) as the dark horse for the season.

In other words, there are plenty of contenders for the Pennsylvania state title, and no one thinks they’re running away with it.

There are a few factors influencing the league-wide improvement in play. Take North Bay for one. The Maryland side is fielding two squads – an A side that has been accepted for the Pennsylvania league, and a B side for its home state. North Bay played in last year's DI nationals (something Pennsylvania teams have strangely not embraced, despite the event being held in Pittsburgh this year) and its inclusion raises the level of competition in the state. North Bay isn’t, however, eligible for state playoffs. Secondly, the SBRO smartly realigned the competition in 2013, moving from a regional division of teams to a proper DI and DII. Throw in summer and fall 7s, and you have better rugby being played on a more regular basis.

And finally, a little bit of drama has sent some electricity through the ranks. State champion Doylestown is recovering from a big graduating class, which included some important try-scorers and leaders. State finalist Downingtown saw some of its players join a new team, Keystone, which was formed by former assistant coach Wayne DiMarco. A couple of key players, including Atlantis U16 alum and daughter Alex, and two-time Rugby PA all-star Paige Krahling (sister to All American and current Keystone women’s team player Joie), among others joined this DII team.

North Penn is just one team looking to replace the aforementioned atop the state podium. Formed in 2001, the team formerly known as the Ruckin Ducks changed its name to the Valkyries four years ago, making marketing and recruitment easier. The team has advanced to the state semifinals the previous three years, but it’s hopeful that 2015 could see the Valkyries into the final stage.

“I have a lot of girls who have been with the team since I started coaching,” said coach Richter. “And that’s part of the reason why I feel really good about our team this year. A lot of talent has been playing together for a while now.”

Headlining North Penn is star halfback Maya Grassi. The Atlantis U16 alum started playing at 12 years old, following in the footsteps of her older sister, Olivia, who now plays at DI West Chester University.

“The kid is a prodigy,” Richter said of the freshman. “She watches rugby on the weekends and practices kicking with her dad, our forwards coach, Rob. She is a good decision-maker and has the ability to read the field like no senior I’ve ever had.”

Grassi is the backs captain, while senior flyhalf Zoe Rex is the team captain. Rex and senior center Sylina Flowers learned the game next to Richter, and both recently signed with Life University on rugby scholarships – which is huge in terms of the program’s visibility but also as a lure for parents. The forwards are led by the towering Amelie Poulin, a 6’ French Canadian lock, who is quite the standout.

North Penn has enjoyed the injection of some quality rookies as well, including junior Rania Tha, Flowers’ cousin.

“She’s a big, athletic girl, who plays second row,” Richter said. “Aside from having to learn some things about retaining the ball, she’s incredible. She runs really hard, is a good tackler, and earned a spot on the A side.”

Sophomore rookie Tori Schafte earned a starting position at prop, and she’s “a wrecking ball,” according to Richter. “She’s one of those girls who, when we run a penalty play, we give the ball to her and just let her run people over.”

The Valkyries opened up their season at Nash Bash – a fortunate decision considering the highly anticipated Frostbite tournament was canceled due to weather. They warmed up against Storm, a Tennessee team with which Richter was very impressed, and ended with a shutout loss to Ohio’s St. Joseph’s. In the process – in the first game – North Penn lost Grassi for a month due to a concussion and suffered four other side-lining injuries. Their absence didn’t affect the league-opening win against Conestoga (45-5), but it was felt in the 12-5 loss to State College.

“We missed Maya, but we also just made a lot of mistakes,” Richter said. “State College beat us with fitness and a high-pressure defense – Bernie is Penn State's defense coach, so you expect that. That pressure contributed to 19 knock-ons. And there were five times that we ran the ball out of touch when we were inside their 22 meter. It was frustrating.”

Both Richter and Cantorna didn’t read too much into the game, saying both sides were inundated by mistakes, and the result could have gone either way. Both coaches are looking toward this weekend, however, which will go a long way in sorting the top Pennsylvania teams. North Penn plays North Bay, and State College takes on Downingtown. Grassi should be back this weekend, having been cleared after a month-long recovery, while other starters shift back to their typical positions. Stay tuned for what should be a great weekend!