The USA is into the final of the Atlanta 7s, riding a determined defensive effort to beat Russia 19-14 and earn a rematch with the only team to beat them at Fifth Third Bank Stadium, New Zealand.

The Eagles have enjoyed two impressive games from Lauren Doyle, who made several key tackles and added a crucial try in the semi.

The semifinal started with a yellow card, as Baizat Khamidova hit Katie Johnson in the air on the kickoff, earning a two-minute sit-down, and starting the USA on an attack. The Eagles tried to capitalize, patiently moving the ball and coming close to scoring. But they failed to control the ball and it wasn’t until the 5th minute that Victoria Folayan skirted around the outside for a try and a 5-0 lead.

The half seemed set to end with Russia in possession, but the USA defense was tenacious and stifling, and in a fractured space, Doyle was able to step in front of a pass and go in under the posts. The conversion was good and the USA led 12-0.

The last time the two teams met, in pool play, Russia stormed back to within a try. The same happened here. But first the Eagles had to score one more. Lev Kelter was in the sin-bin for what appeared to be a regular tackle, but shorthanded the USA still extended the lead. Folayan was quick to the breakdown to force a holding-on penalty. She then tapped, ran, offloaded to Meghan Bonney, and was there for the return pass to go in under the posts. 19-0, and they would need all 19.

Quickly Russia replied with Ekaterina Kamidova in to make it 19-7. And then the Russians held Kristen Thomas in check long enough to get the ball back. They had 90 seconds to score twice, but the USA defense was strong enough. With Johnson and Kelter making key tackles the Americans just made Russia work for it.

Eventually Kamidova went over, but time was up, and the USA had won.

This USA team is light years better than the last version. The arrival of Bui Baravilala has helped their offensive creativity, and the move of Kelter to scrumhalf has been inspired, as she is a mucker and a grinder in classic hockey player fashion. In the middle of the field, Jessica Javelet has become more dangerous as a creator, although she needs to work on her defense, while more experienced rugby players Doyle, Folayan, and Johnson are embracing their roles more.

Now the USA faces New Zealand, which benefited from some weird referee calls but also took apart the USA 57-0 on Saturday.

Regardless of the outcome, the Eagles will pass England to 5th in the World Series, and will have gained ground on France, Canada, and Australia, as well.

USA 19

Tries: Folayan 2, Doyle

Convs: Baravilala 2

Russia 14

Tries: Kamidova 2

Convs: Kudinova 2