Last year, Virginia won the Pittsburgh Challenge Cup (aka Mid-Atlantic Regional Cup Tournament) over Empire City 6-0, and that two-penalty-goal loss is not something the New Jersey/New York City-based team wants to repeat. All-star head coach Tom Feury has assembled a star-studded coaching staff and pooled some good talent for a run at the trophy this weekend.

Joining Feury on staff is Penn State women’s head coach Kate Daley, who is directing the forwards; Morris’ Kevin Corley is with the backs; the attack is run by Play Rugby and Atlantis U16 coach Ryszard Chadwick; and Feury doubles up his duties with defense responsibilities.

There are many familiar names on the Empire City roster: All American Kat Ramage and Demi Pretorius, who participated in the National All Star Competition earlier this month; Delia Hellander, who was selected for the pre-NACRA 7s camp at the OTC; and Gio Ferguson-Lewis, who captained the first-ever Atlantis U16 team.

“Gio plays with passion and has a great work rate,” Feury described the Play Rugby Academy player. “She is one of the best high school flankers I have encountered. She is a member of the New Jersey Blaze team that won the High School Rugby Challenge as well.”

Three other players share a resume similar to Ferguson-Lewis': Morris’ scrumhalf Jess Nagie and wings Alie Mennella and Jess Nagie were in Las Vegas and Chester, Pa., as well.

“Jess is competitive in contact and has a quick step to scoot by any gaps left around the rucks,” Feury said. “Alie is one of the most athletic girls on the team. She has the speed to turn the corner from the wing position and the kicking skill to send it to touch or over the ball when necessary.”

“Alie made the switch from soccer to rugby after seeing her sister’s success,” Feury said of Kat's younger sibling. “She is quick, has a great foot, and is developing nicely.”

In the forwards, look for Union’s Brianna Whitfield who is lauded for her strength in the scrum. Feury described the sophomore front row as “a strong runner with good speed and also a good tackler.” The Cowan sisters, Jordan and Tammy, will join Ferguson-Lewis in the back row, and their work-hungry attitude will keep the pace high.

Six of the 11 backs hail from Morris, but keep an eye on Malery Billingy, also an Atlantis U16 member, who will slot in at fullback. The Play Rugby star is very fast and a solid open-field tackler.

“We should show well in Pittsburgh,” Feury confirmed.

Below is the Empire City roster broken out by grade and position. For the entire Mid-Atlantic field's rosters, as well as those for the other six tournaments occurring during the next two weeks, click here.