The Valkyries (4-1) have taken over the top spot in Rugby Pennsylvania’s girls high school division. The team has rallied since an early-round loss to State College, and has one more league match against Penn Legacy (Hempfield) before hosting the state playoffs on May 16-17.

The Valkyries posted its second consecutive shutout yesterday, defeating Downingtown (3-2) 25-0. Stout defense from both teams marked the first half, and the eventual victors took a 5-0 lead into the break. Incoming Life University freshman Zoe Rex scored two tries, and a try apiece from Alexa Huzar and Hannah Moran helped seal the win. Maya Grassi slotted a conversion and penalty kick to top it off.

"Taking the top seed was a big deal, but it was more important to get a win over Downingtown, which has been a dominant force in Pennsylvania for so long," said Valkyries coach Jesse Richter, who also indicated that that benchmark could not have been reached without the help of backs coach Christopher Bancroft and forwards coach Rob Grassi. "This was the first time the Valkyries defeated Downingtown in 15s since I started coaching five years ago, and who knows how long before that."

Doylestown nearly broke the century mark in its 98-0 win over Conestoga, a display of strength that will needed in the post-season. Even though the reigning state champion is currently sixth in the standings, North Bay (Md.) is ineligible for the post-season and State College is heading to the DII national championship (held in Pittsburgh on the same weekend). Doylestown and Downingtown will replay the 2014 title match this weekend.

North Bay and State College compete this Sunday, and are both are 4-1. Even though it's set to be a good match, it's anti-climactic in that their results will not impact their post-season participation. North Bay actually contested its state championship against West Carroll last weekend, and lost 41-29.

So even though Sunday's games should be exciting, the only thing that’s really at stake is seeding into the state semifinals. Standings-leader Valkyries will use Sunday's game against the always-tough Penn Legacy as a final tune-up before playoffs. 

"Having the Easter break plus a bye mid-season helped us heal up from a rough preseason," Richter said. "We now have zero players on injured reserve. I am cautiously optimistic as we approach the state championship - optimistic because I know we have a lot of talented athletes who have learned to work very well together; cautious because there is still good competition that will come hungry for a rematch and for the title."

Sunday, May 10 - Final League Matches
Downingtown v Doylestown
Valkyries v Penn Legacy
North Bay v State College