Cross-Town Rivals Battle in Minnesota

by Alicia Gillberg for YSC.com
October 31, 2011

EAGAN, MN - While rivalry is the best word to describe the relationship between the two WPL teams that both call the Twin Cities their home, it only goes so far. The Amazons and the Valkyries have been battling it out for decades here in Minnesota. Both teams have had times of reign in The Cities, and both always come with a high level of passion towards the matches in which they meet. This weekend was no different. Regardless of circumstances for either team; the Valkyries looking for their first win of the season, and the Amazons working to keep their conference lead going into nationals, both teams came to battle it out.

The match Sunday morning was chilly, but still good weather for a hard fought forward clash. The Amazons have been getting back to historical Zon’s style play with heavy forward phases and drives, and yet again the Zon’s pack was the workhorse, both offensively and defensively. To start the game the Zon’s kicked off, this would be the last time the Zon’s would kick-off from midfield for the rest of the morning. The Valkyries came out hard and kept the Zon’s out of the try zone for a good part of the first half with heavy defense, it was a forward battle with both teams forcing turnovers. Penalties led to a kick attempt by Rebecca “Reebok” Radtke, which hit the crossbar but was no good. The match still scoreless, both teams battled on. Penalties deep into Valkyrie territory led to an Amazon line out on the 10, the ball got out to center Lynelle Kugler who broke the seal for the Zon’s, kick good by Reebok, Zon’s up 7-0.

After that the Zon’s kept pouring it on for the rest of the half with 2 tries from Amanda “Worm” Kingzett, both kicks missed, Zon’s 17-0, and a try by Sylvia Braaten, kick good, Zon’s 24-0. More phases and penalties lead to another penalty kick attempt by Reebok, which was no good, but ended the half.

Coming out of the break both teams came back with fire, but the Valks efforts were left un-rewarded. Big hits by the Zon’s, including a hit that could be heard by all in attendance by Sylvia Braaten, kept the Valkyries on their own half of the field. Both teams had good phases and many penalties to start the half. After more battling, the Zon’s finally got through the Valkyries defense, this time in the corner. Try good for wing Desiree Markovich, with an assist from Lynelle, kick no good, Zon’s 29-0. After that more Zon’s tries from Lynelle, Reebok, and Ashley “Mulf” Mulford, along with 2 conversion kicks by Reebok ended the game with the final score of 48-0.

The Zon’s finish out their regular season matches with a record of 5-1, the Valks 0-6.

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