The USA Women’s National 7s team did what few expected them to do Friday at the Atlanta 7s, going 3-0 to win the pool, and that included a 12-5 defeat of New Zealand.

Having spent the first two tournaments of the 2015-16 season with the top nations out of their reach, the Eagles were more polished, defended better, and worked their offensive pattern better Friday than they have in some time.

The USA started the day with a fairly consistent 24-0 defeat of Spain. Lev Kelter and Lauren Doyle scored tries in the first half, and Doyle and Kristen Thomas touched down in the second in a game where the Eagles scored 12 points in each period.

Next up was Japan, and the USA jumped out to a 21-0 halftime lead thanks to Richelle Stephens, Thomas, and Kate Zackary, and then cruised to win 31-12. Zackary scored a second and Megan Bonny finished it off. 

So that set up a game between the top two teams in the pool. 

Bui Baravilala lofted a perfect pass to Alev Kelter for the opening try. Selica Winiata then replied for New Zealand to tie it up 5-5.

In the second half, both teams had scoring opportunities, but the cover defense was there. Finally, with a minute to go, Jessica Javelet cut through a small gap in the New Zealand defense and she put on the jets to score and win the game 12-5. The USA had an attacking lineout at the New Zealand 22, won it cleanly and sent the ball thorugh the hands. Javelet got the ball with two players keying on her.

Smartly, she realized that if two defenders were on here, then a gap must exist infield. She cut back, ran sideways, and then burst through a small gap. Two Kiwi defenders converged on her, so Javelet unleashes a little shimmy that gave both defenders pause, and it was enough and she accelerated out of an ankle-tap and under the posts.

The USA joins England and Canada as pool winners, and that sets them up against Australia in the Cup Quarterfinals Saturday.

USA 24 Spain 0

Tries: Doyle 2, Kelter, Thomas

Convs: Baravilala 2

USA 31 Japan 12

Tries: Zackary 2, Stephens, Thomas, Donny

Convs: Baravilala, Heavirland 2, Kelter

USA 12 New Zealand 5

Tries: Kelter, Javelet

Convs: Heavirland