The Pacific Northwest has returned to select-side competition with the newly-named Sasquatch Invitational.

Following on from the old Great Northwest Challenge, which was held for over 15 years Pre-COVID, this tournament offers rep teams from western states the opportunity to compete and improve their skills against other state or regional rep sides.

Last year Oregon and Washington were able to put together a home-and-away series, and the Sasquatch Invitational this year is the next step to getting back to a regional rep side tournament. 

Oregon, Washington, Cascade (Eastern Washington), and Arizona competed with girls and boys teams in both U16 and U18. Idaho was unable to field a team but might be expected to compete in following years.

The tournament was run by Toni Fujiwara of the Oregon Redhawks and Pacific Northwest Loggers, and Heidi Whitman of the Washington Selects and also the Loggers. Their plan, they said, was to expand the event and provide more opportunities for players to challenge themselves and be seen and identified.

Performances from this tournament will help some players to advance to the Pacific Northwest Loggers side that will play Canadian provincial teams later in the summer.

Perhaps the best game of the weekend was Oregon vs Washington U18 girls. This was a very well-played game with a bigger, more experienced Washington team facing a very skilled and disciplined Oregon side. Oregon scored first and after that Washington threatened through the first half before finally getting in a try just before the break for a 7-5 lead.

The second half saw Washington increase the tempo and they scored a second try with Gianna Veetutu excellent kick making it 14-5. Oregon answered with five minutes remaining but needed one more score to win—Washington held on 14-10.

This tournament was a huge success and a very good reboot for select side play in the region.