Notre Dame College hosted a four-team women’s 7s tournament last weekend, and the victor was guaranteed a berth to the national 7s championship on May 23-24 in Denver. DI Michigan and Ohio State got in some good warm-up games as they look toward this weekend’s Big Ten 7s championship, but the event was all about Notre Dame College vs. Davenport.

Both went 2-0 against Michigan and OSU, and the Falcons put down a solid 24-0 win against the Panthers in pool play. The hosts were backed by a solid cadre of 7s veterans, including Hannah Gauthreaux, Leah Walsh, Karmin Macedo, Danielle Walko-Siua, and Stephanie Kronenberger, among others. Davenport was adjusting to the absence of All American Danielle Ordway, a very influential player who was recently injured. But the Panthers still had key elements in Ashlee Byrge, Jen Harig, and Brittany O’Dell, while players like Melissa Francis, Julia Mayer, and Hunter Moreland contributed nicely to the team’s victories.

The pair played back-to-back games, and the gap closed in the final. Byrge and Harig were able to find Notre Dame College’s try zone for 12 points, but the hosts put up 24 for the title and nationals berth. Michigan beat Ohio State 29-7 for third place.

“Overall we played as a unit and didn’t really have a standout player,” Kronenberger indicated. “A few of our girls like Najya Jordan and Charity Edwards played their first 7s games and did incredibly well defensively. We did well moving the ball out and having quick hands, and for the most part had line integrity on defense.”

While Notre Dame College has secured its berth to nationals, it has more immediate concerns for which to prepare. The DII 15s fall champion is awaiting the winner of the DII spring championships, to be decided on April 26, and will play that team for the national title on May 9 at Kennesaw State. The 7s championship occurs May 23-24 in Denver.