Day One is in the books with the NAI 7s and we're going to mention up-front ... it was hot.
Temperatures soared well past 100 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of play. However, with a truck full of bags of ice, misters, hydration and shade spots, and the moving of the games to an hour earlier, teams managed it.
Most of the players said they were more concerned with the altitude rather than the heat, but both were challenging. Here's a quick look at the brackets and who made a splash.
Girls U18 Tier 1
The Utah Cannibals brought a nice combination of power and pace and went 3-0 in the first three of five round-robin games. The Cannibals looked very together on defense, shutting out Bitterroot 36-0, holding Tucson to two tries 35-10, and, in the key game of the day, thundering past a very good Majestics side 35-5.
Majestics and Belmont Shore might have come in somewhat favorites, but they're chasing Utah now. Belmont Shore's overall skill level is impressive and they work well together, but they did open the weekend with a 28-12 loss to Majestics.
That might well keep them out of the final unless they can upend the Cannibals Saturday morning.
Girls U18 Tier 2
In Tier 2 it's all to play for. Westlake Drua edged a strong EPA team 26-24 to ensure a 3-0 day. Sac AIR was impressive and their familiarity with each other really helped them. Ronins are also 3-0, but the 2-1 teams, EPA, USA West, and Badgers, are all of high quality.
Boys U18 Elite
Rebel Rugby Academy saw both of their teams go 3-0, while EIRA also ran the table. Defending champs Sac AIR pulled off a nice win of a tough TOA side to go 2-1, and San Mateo looked snappy in their 2-1 day. And then 4G out of North Carolina are also right there.
