Heartbreaker in Overtime

"We have been on the same trajectory all season - we proved that today - and we will do it again on Sunday."
-Valkyries Captain Libby Berg

Valkyries are dealt a heartbreaking loss for their first game at Nationals.  Playing in the 2nd tier for 5th-8th place, the Valkyries hit the field this morning to play Keystone women.  Despite the nay-sayers picking the Valks to lose by 5 tries, they hit the pitch running and put in the first try within the first ten minutes.  But that was just the beginning.  Keystone answered with a try and the game was ON!

Back and forth the scoring went until the final minutes.  Keystone was up by 7.  Without a moment to lose, the Valks marched the ball down the field to put up 5 more points.  Down by only 2, Captain Libby Berg put up the conversion and the whistle blew.  Score tied 25-25, we headed to overtime!

Keystone came out and hit the ground running, putting up 3 unanswered tries in the first 10 minute half of overtime.  The Valkyries refocused and came out for the second OT half putting up a try with Libby Berg completing the conversion again.  Down by two tries, the Valks fought hard to get into the try zone.  Putting in one more with only seconds remaining, Libby Berg put up the conversion and the whistle blew, leaving the Valks 5 points shy of taking home the win.  Final score 44-39.

Post game analysis

"It was a hard loss today and we are regrouping for the next game," said Valkyries Captain Libby Berg.  "We put it all out there today, we put it all on the line.  The outcome isn't what we want, but we are now moving forward to the next game." 

"The team is so committed to its growth," says Coach Abby Rombalski, "Though frustrated by the final score, we have made so many gains together - that's what is going to keep building our Valks presence."

"Our goal was to close the point gap," added Captain Laura Gill, "We fought to the final minute.  We never gave up."

"For the next game (against Washington Furries), we really want to come out with a strong defensive presence.  We are looking to create turnover ball and capitalize.  This will be a prime factor.  Offensively we want to be unpredictable," noted Abby.

"We are looking forward to reaching our season goal of getting better every game," added Laura.  "We want to continue our defensive stance, but adapt our offense to put in more tries."

Libby concluded, "We have been on the same trajectory all season - we proved that today - and we will do it again on Sunday."