Mountain View improved to 4-0 in the Idaho Girls 15s league, but it was a hard-won trek to 4-0.

The Meridian, Idaho team seemed to be breezing through the season early on, beating local rivals Meridian HS 62-12 in their opener and handling Eagle 27-17 and Rocky Mountain 29-14. But injuries were piling up.

Limping into last nights rematch with several injuries, Mountain View saw their starting blindside flanker and starting scrumhalf come off injured. With a depleted bench they were in trouble and right before halftime Meridian scored to take a 14-12 lead.

But somehow they pulled it out.

"I’ve been coaching rugby for around eight years now and I’ve never seen a team show so much determination," said Mountain View Head Coach Rich Hersey. "Being down by two points and playing with 14 players, the girls played solid defense."

And they hung on. Finally, late in the game Jada Medellin saw a gap and zipped through. It was a foot race to the goal line and she made it. With the conversion Mountain View led 19-14 and held on to remain undefeated.

This Mountain View team includes the players who won the regular season of 7s in the fall. While the playoffs weren't quite so happy for them, they still benefited greatly from that experience.

"We've added a few new girls that made us a better team," said Hersey. "Having a 7s season last fall, during the pandemic, has made girls 15s rugby that much better. They understand the sport and play at a higher level." 

Senior Justice Rupp has returned to play No. 8 and also taken on the role of captain when Jada Medellin was injured. Medellin returned for Friday's game and, as you see above, was crucial.

Rupp has shown herself to be a natural leader who easily filled the top spot. She's solid on tackling, rucking, and ball control.

"Everything you want from your 8," said Hersey. 

Senior Madi Diefenbach is a standout in the backs, usually playing inside center but able to play flanker when she's needed. She leads the team with tackles and has great vision of the field of play. 

Surviving Friday's game was a big step for Mountain View. They expect several players to return for next week's clash with Eagle. 

"If we can get past those injuries I think the girls will be in a prime position to win it all," said Hersey.