In a thrilling display of teamwork and strategic prowess, the Waterford Wildcats secured their ninth regional championship with a decisive victory over the Hiland Hawks. Kendall Sury’s outstanding performance led the charge, while the team's defensive efforts stifled Hiland's offensive plays. The Wildcats will now face Fort Loramie in the state semifinals, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated rematch.
The Wildcats' dominant play was highlighted by Sury's game-high 26 points, effectively exploiting her size advantage against Hiland's smaller guards. The team's balanced contributions from other players ensured a well-rounded effort, both offensively and defensively. Despite facing tough competition, Waterford remained composed, leveraging their experience and preparation to secure the win.
Sury's Dominance Shines Through
Kendall Sury's performance was nothing short of spectacular, as she capitalized on her physical advantages to dominate the game. Her ability to post up effectively and score inside proved crucial in maintaining Waterford's lead throughout the match. Sury's efficiency from the floor, hitting 11 out of 15 shots, showcased her versatility and readiness for high-pressure situations.
Sury's impact extended beyond scoring. Her presence in the paint created opportunities for teammates like Elsie Malec and Brynnlee Pottmeyer, who stepped up when needed. Sury's three-point play late in the third quarter widened the gap to 15 points, while her assist to Malec further solidified Waterford's control. Her leadership and adaptability were key factors in the Wildcats' success, ensuring they stayed ahead even when Hiland tried to close the gap.
Team Effort and Defensive Strength
The Wildcats' triumph was a testament to their collective effort and defensive resilience. Coach Jerry Close emphasized the importance of feeling out the opponent and capitalizing on mismatches. Avery Wagner's defensive prowess was instrumental, as she consistently disrupted Hiland's top player, Joplin Yoder. Wagner's 11 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks exemplified her all-around contribution.
Waterford's defense limited Hiland's shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc. Trish Troyer's back-to-back threes briefly narrowed the deficit, but Hiland struggled overall, hitting only 3 of 17 three-point attempts. The Wildcats' rigorous regular-season schedule prepared them for such challenges, enabling them to stay composed under pressure. With this win, Waterford's senior trio of Sury, Wagner, and Smithberger are poised for another Final Four appearance, aiming to claim their second state title.
In a humbling experience for England's women’s rugby league team, they faced an overwhelming 90-4 defeat against Australia in Las Vegas. The match highlighted the significant gap between the two teams and underscored the challenges that English women’s rugby league must overcome to compete at the highest level. Despite the disheartening result, the Lionesses demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. Their captain, Jodie Cunningham, emphasized the need for structural changes in the sport back home, while Amy Hardcastle likened the intense game to being inside a washing machine. Both players acknowledged the immense talent and professionalism of the Australian team and saw this loss as a valuable learning opportunity.
The Challenge on the Field
The match revealed the stark differences in preparation and professional support between the two teams. England struggled to gain possession and spent most of the game defending against the superior Australian side. Even with such a lopsided scoreline, the Lionesses showed commendable effort and character throughout the 70-minute contest. Scoring the final try of the match, despite conceding 17 earlier, demonstrated their unwavering spirit. The players expressed pride in their performance and recognized the privilege of competing against world-class athletes like the Jillaroos.
Hardcastle and Cunningham both reflected on the experience, noting that it was crucial to understand what they needed to improve upon when returning home. Hardcastle praised the athleticism and professionalism of the Australian team, emphasizing the incredible backing they receive. She believed that facing such top-tier competition provided invaluable insights into the necessary adjustments required to elevate English women’s rugby league. The players were acutely aware of the areas needing improvement but remained optimistic about the future, seeing this setback as a stepping stone toward better performances.
The Road Ahead for Women's Rugby League in England
The disparity in investment between women’s rugby leagues in Australia and England became evident during the match. In Australia, players in the NRL Women’s Premiership are either full-time or semi-professional, receiving substantial support and resources. In contrast, English players often play for expenses or nothing at all. This financial and structural gap has led to a significant difference in skill levels and overall competitiveness. Cunningham highlighted these issues before the match, acknowledging the progress made in recent years but also recognizing the extensive work still needed.
Former Great Britain head coach Jackie Sheldon pointed out that Australia’s dominance over the past two decades stems from consistent investment in women’s rugby league. To catch up, England must focus on enhancing physical conditioning and developing a more robust infrastructure. The experiences gained by English players who have moved to the NRLW could be instrumental in bridging this gap. Players like Georgia Roche, Hollie-Mae Dodd, and Paige Travis, who now compete in Australia, bring valuable skills and knowledge back to the English team. While the road ahead is challenging, the painful memories of the Vegas defeat may ultimately serve as motivation for the Lionesses to become stronger and more competitive in future international matches.
An enthusiastic crowd gathered at Features Fieldhouse in West Salem on Saturday to witness the inaugural Adaptive Sports League Floor Hockey Invitational. This unique event aimed to provide athletic and recreational opportunities for students with disabilities, fostering an environment where every participant could shine. Teams from various regions across the state came together to compete, creating a vibrant atmosphere of camaraderie and support. The organizers expressed hope that this invitational would inspire the expansion of the Adaptive Sports League into more districts, offering even more students the chance to thrive through sports.
Participants not only engaged in friendly competition but also developed valuable life skills. Nicholas Stusser, head coach of Holmen High School’s ASL team, highlighted the importance of resilience, overcoming challenges, and building friendships. These experiences contribute significantly to personal growth and social development, mirroring the benefits seen in traditional sports programs. Rather than focusing on winning, the event celebrated each team's achievements with distinctive awards, recognizing qualities such as outstanding sportsmanship and determination. Local schools participating included Black River Falls, Holmen, La Crosse, Onalaska, and West Salem districts.
The success of this invitational underscores the power of inclusive sports in promoting unity and empowerment. By providing a platform for students with disabilities to showcase their talents and build confidence, events like these foster a stronger, more compassionate community. Encouraging participation and recognition of diverse abilities enriches the lives of everyone involved, setting a positive example for future generations.