The Plano girls team went into the Texas Girls HS 7s championships knowing they had a big hill to climb.

Kingwood entered that same tournament undefeated over the season, and when Plano lost one of their pool games, 7-5 to HEB, it looked as if Kingwood might roll.

So much for predictions. 

“We played Kingwood close during the season and we felt if we had another chance, we’d be able to beat them,” said Coach John Savage. “The girls in fact took some confidence out of that game because they competed. The girls came into the [final] tournament ready to play and especially on defense. They are ferocious tacklers.”

A young team still, with eight juniors and sophomores on the squad that played in the championship tournament, Plano beat Southwest Houston 40-0 and Eagle Mountain 49-5 in the opening pool games before losing to HEB in a game where they just didn’t play the type of game they needed to play.

But still it was all good enough to make the semis, where Kingwood beat HEB, and Plano shut out Round Rock 22-0.

So that set up the final, and this time, it was all Plano, 33-0. Plano took the state championship allowing just 12 points in the final five games.

It was a team effort, although flyhalf Niamh Savage and center Faith Waller were especially effective as backs - Savage was MVP - and Reagan Hunter, who was named best forward.

“The girls just took control,” said Savage.

Added Head Coach John Hunter: “Juggling multiple sports and impossible schedules, these girls came together as a group of sisters to beat some of the most established rugby clubs in Texas. Their victory is a testament to both their athleticism and their heart.”

The Plano Roster for the final tournament was:

·         Niamh Savage, Captain, Senior

·         Allison Allen, Junior

·         Isabela Becker, Sophomore

·         Claire Doles, Sophomore

·         Stella Gresham, Sophomore

·         Reilly Harrison, Senior

·         Reagan Hunter, Sophomore

·         Gloria Mackay, Junior

·         Eleanor McCabe, Sophomore

·         Rue Ncomo, Sophomore

·         Faith Waller, Senior

Here's video of the championship game. If you don't see the embedded video, please refresh the page.