Last weekend was an important one in Pennsylvania. Four of the top four high schools competed, and the results helped sort the upper tier of division I. The Valkyries (North Penn) defeated North Bay 36-17, and Downingtown beat State College 26-17.

“I was actually pretty nervous about this game,” Valkyries coach Jesse Richter said. “I have been confident all season long: I have good numbers, great talent, and an explosive system. But when my team completely fell apart against State College two weeks ago, I got a little worried. I knew we could win this game, but wasn't sure whether we would. So I was very pleased to see our team pull it back together. And they executed the things we stressed at practice over these two weeks very well.”

Solid defensive pressure, an opportunistic and defense-spreading attack, and a good kick-and-chase allowed the hosts to dominate possession and territory. The forwards did good work in tight and hooker Mallory Dubus stood out.

“She put in hard work from start to finish, won all the rucks she needed to, and had some great heads-up plays, including a few stolen lineouts that were batted down into her hands,” Richter said of the forward MVP.

The Valkyries ran out to 17-0 lead, as fullback Rebecca Wilson and lock Amelie Poulin dotted down tries, and scrumhalf Maya Grassi added two conversions and a penalty.

Twenty-five minutes passed before the Maryland state champion was able to enjoy advantageous territory, but the visitors made good use of it. From a restart, the fast-advancing North Bay defense turned over the receipt and moved the ball to its outside speed before the Valkyries could realign. The quick thinking resulted in a try.

The second half began with a sustained Valkyries attack, but a stout defense prevented big gains – until penalized. During the goal-line stance, North Bay turned over the ruck but couldn’t get out of its five meter. A knock-on awarded a five-meter scrum to the Valkyries, and No. 8 Hannah Moran picked up for the dive-over – held up. The second scrum looked much the same, except Moran passed the ball wide to Grassi, who dove in for the score.

The Valkyries had more tools at its disposal when faced with a similar scenario. When North Bay pushed its way to the host’s tryline, flyhalf Zoe Rex relieved pressure with a booming kick that was well chased by senior wing Gabbi Hunter, a first-year player.

“North Bay put the ball on the ground and instead of trying to pick it up like most rookies would, she kicked it through and chased it down, eventually leading to a try by our other wing across the field,” Richter remembered the evolution of Julie Kemner’s try. “She also played great defense with some big open-field tackles.”

The Valkyries’ discipline waned in the closing quarter, and penalties gave North Bay new life.  A quick-tap penalty from five meters out saw North Bay bank an easy try, and the determined side finished the game with a third, 36-17.

Downingtown dotted down four tries to State College’s three, and added some distance with three conversions. Experience played a big role in the decision, and that’s something that Bernie Cantorna’s team doesn’t have in excess. The coach wasn’t too disappointed in the loss, and will focus on set pieces as the team enjoys a bye week.

In other news, Penn Legacy beat 93-5 Conestoga. Several teams will head to the Maryland Exiles tournament this weekend, where other top sides like West End will be waiting.