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SAINT-DENIS, FRANCE – The day began with the USA falling to host France, 31-14, in the final round of group play. Both the USA and France entered the game 2-0.
The USA bounced back in the afternoon to make USA Women's Sevens history downing Great Britain to advance to the semifinals at the Olympics for the first time. One more win will assure the USA its first Women's Sevens Olympic medal.
Host France got to within 5 meters of a try early but the USA turned them over. Williams College soccer All-American turned international rugby star Kristi Kirshe broke free to the half line and the USA kept marching. Ilona Maher capped off the drive with a try and the conversion put the USA up 7-0.
The USA's Kayla Canett was sent off for 2 minutes for a high tackle leaving the USA with 6 players to France's 7.
The USA battled and earned a side out, but they turned the ball over and France responded with a try by Seraphine Okemba. A missed conversion kick had the USA on top 7-5 with 25 seconds left in the first half.
Unfortunately, the USA turned the ball over again with 8 seconds left in the first half and France benefitted from another a try by Okemba. The conversion attempt failed and France took a 10-5 lead into the break.
Okemba notched her third try and the French owned 10-point lead, 17-7, with 4:40 remaining.
A dropped USA pass resulted in France notching yet another try and a successful conversion made the score 24-7 in favor of the French.
Naya Tapper scored a try from 70 meters out for the USA and with the conversion France led 24-14 with 40 seconds remaining
Seraphine Okemba tallied her fourth try of the contest late and a perfectly executed conversion made the final score 31-14, France.
In the final game of group play about four hours after the match versus France the USA faced Great Britain. Great Britain upset the USA in the Tokyo Games and knocked them out of medal contention in 2020.
A turnover by the USA off the kickoff allowed to Great Britain to capitalize with a try from short distance. The conversion was good and Great Britain led 7-0.
Naya Tapper answered for the USA with a try, but the USA conversion attempt failed and GB led 7-5.
Illona Maher broke free for the USA on a long try attempt but was caught from behind and the ball was knocked out of bounds. Great Britain owned a 7-5 lead at the half.
On the kickoff to Great Britain the ball was misplayed and Kristi Kirshe scooped it up and took it all the way for a try. The successful conversion gave the USA a 12-7 lead.
Soon after Kirshe pounced on a loose ball and drew a penalty from Great Britain. The match commentator exclaimed, "Kirshi is standing up for the USA." Receiving a pass Kirshe kept her legs alive and then passed the ball to Sammy Sullivan who tallied a try and the commentator added, "Kristi Kirshe is into everything." The conversion failed, but the USA claimed a 17-7 win to advance to the Olympic Semifinals for the first time ever.
The USA will face New Zealand at 9:30 AM EST tomorrow.
