Raptors prevail - Valks move forward to D1

“It was a tough season, but 'what doesn't kill us makes us stronger', and that is where I see this team going... but right now, I think a lot of us are just focusing on allowing our bodies to recover from this season,” noted Berg.

Austin, TX – It was a cold rainy day on Sunday and the outcome of the match wasn’t much warmer for your beloved Minnesota Valkyries, not to be confused with the hometown Austin Valkyries.  Per the guidelines of the WPL agreement, teams finishing in either 7^th or 8^th place are subject to challenge for promotion/relegation by Division 1 championships teams.  Although it was the Chicago North Shore team who took the D1 Championship home, they deferred their challenge instead choosing to remain in D1 for 2012.  It was the Glendale Raptors who choose to challenge, leaving the 8^th placed Minnesota Valkyries to fight for their place in the 2012 WPL.

“As with many of the women's clubs this year, there were a lot of changes for us...." added Laura Gill, Valkyries co-captain

Valkyries Chobot scores within the first 5 minutes of play.

Before the first whistle blew, thunder roared from the horizons and rain began its incessant decent onto the playing field.  The Valkyries came out strong within the first 5 minutes and put a score up without hesitation.  But as the rain fell, so did the Valkyries’ game plan.  Never again did they get into the try zone, despite securing lineouts and undisputed supremacy of scrums, the connections to pull together a striking offense and smothering defense were not made. 

“I think we came out really strong and showed what we are capable of. Unfortunately, our defense broke down as the game went on and they were able to capitalize on our disorganization,”  stated Laura Gill, Valkyries co-captain.

Lauren Daly gives chase while Tracy Call prepares to tackle the Glendale winger. 
The rain is showing its effects on the field conditions.

At half time, the score was still a manageable 17-5.  But in the second half the clouds created a down pour of rain that left the field in shambles while the Raptors capitalized on opportunities that left no doubt of victory.  The final score was 53-5 Raptors.

“Obviously the final result was not the outcome we wanted, but I couldn't be more proud and honored to play with of all of the incredible ladies who stepped on the field on Sunday and played their hearts out, as well as all of the ladies who played with the Valkyries this season,” stated Libby Berg, Valkyries co-captain.

“…it doesn't mean any of our previous goals are out of reach for next season,” added Gill.

Glendale now advances into the WPL and the Valkyries will move to Division 1 play in the CR2 league. Teams include: D1 champs - Chicago North Shore, Chicago Women, St. Louis Sabres, Denver Black Ice, Detroit Women, and (familiar name) Austin Valkyries.

Moving forward, the Valkyries are ready to tackle this new challenge in front of them.  Both Gill and Berg noted the need for off season recruiting as well as starting up team workout sessions.

“It was a tough season, but 'what doesn't kill us makes us stronger', and that is where I see this team going... but right now, I think a lot of us are just focusing on allowing our bodies to recover from this season,” noted Berg.

“As with many of the women's clubs this year, there were a lot of changes for us.  Players will continue to come and go in this sport, but our club has a really strong tradition and a core group of women who will make sure we continue to succeed. We just have to fit those pieces together and work harder to be where we want to be competitively,” concluded Gill.

“Everyone is also hopefully saving some money, training, and setting our sites on next fall's competitive goals,” added Gill.

“We've already been discussing how much we enjoyed extending our season this year until December, that we might have to do it again next year,” concluded Berg.