Kyla Chipman was one of 12 Women’s Junior All Americans (WJAAs) who competed at the previous two Can-Am games. The Penn State junior, however, captained the team both years (vice captain in 2014) and has a rounder take on the most recent assembly and the successes achieved therein.

2014 was a developmental year, and the squad that went winless in Ontario skewed young. Additionally, last year’s team didn’t once train together before the start of the series.

“I remember walking into our hotel in Buffalo and meeting 14 brand-new faces,” Chipman reminisced. “This year, we had two camps prior to the start of tour. Having exposure to players prior to the series definitely gave us an advantage. We were able to play off each other better and had more time to learn our pattern and create fluidity in our play.”

Those Can-Am returners injected a fearlessness into the 2015 squad. They had experienced the worst of it, and there was really only room to improve against the Canada U20s.

“I think for returning players we used last year's tour as a motivational piece,” Chipman confirmed. “We knew what level of work and commitment it was going to take us to overcome Canada, and because of that, we set a high standard and expectation for training and behavior on tour.”

The attack was on point. The junior Eagles scored six tries in their opening 38-22 win (read more) and followed with four more in the 32-5 victory (read more).

“Our biggest wins were when we played quick ball,” Chipman explained. “That was the main focus of our attack, and we looked to exploit Canada on their back foot. Our biggest momentum-changers were winning the last 10 minutes each half. Having a strong finish gave us good momentum into the second half and brought up the team’s mindset going in. Some of our best phases of play happened in the last 10 minutes.”

There were trials as well. While the USA cleaned up its defense for game two, the penalty count stayed high. Canada also exerted pressure in the scrum, stealing two set pieces early in game two to help set up a try.

“It was really important for us to keep our composure,” the No. 8 said. “We had moments where we let Canada regain momentum but did a good job rallying back and staying calm. We dominated most of the set pieces so we looked to regain territory and use that to set our momentum for the rest of the phases. We were a strong side and we believed in that.”

Chipman was incredibly proud of the team as a whole, but a few individual performances were worth noting.

“Nate [Serevi]. Obviously she's a high-profile name but she's got the skill set to back it,” Chipman praised. “Her ability to read the defense and exploit gaps, putting herself or others through space, is incredible. Nate's most comfortable on the rugby pitch and it's evident. She was essential in the back line and integral on defense. 

“Michel [Navararo]. Coming from the High School All Americans, she was one of the two youngest players on our side. Despite that, Michel plays big. She was all over the field, in every ruck, strong ballcarrier, and great supporter. She earned her position and has a great vision of the game. 

“McKenzie [Hawkins] is a powerhouse. Her nickname should be ‘Mack Truck' because that's what it feels like to be hit by her. She's so strong offensively and defensively. You never saw McKenzie running without 4-5 Canadian girls hanging onto her. She's so powerful in contact and is truly a threat wherever she is on the field. She's got a skill set and vision that is far more advance than most at her age level, and it's incredible to watch her play.”

A major theme throughout the summer has been "setting the standard," and if the Can Ams is insight into where the program is heading, then we all have reason to be excited for the future.

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