Wisconsin Places 5th at Firehouse 7s

June 24, 2012
Wisconsin Women’s 7s team at 2012 Firehouse 7s. Front row sitting (l-r): Meaghan Odling, Rebecca Stillman, Mike Blaser, Lulu the Weiner Dog; 2nd Row kneeling: Lily Khadempour, Emi Frerichs, Jessica Burda. Back Row standing: Coach Nicole Helmer, Mollie Overby, Captain Kelly Mullen, Water Man and assistant coach for the day Tim Leslie.

In the team’s first organized attempt at a competitive 7s season, the Wisconsin Women have used the 2012 summer to hold true 7s practices and played in their first Midwest qualifier tournament this past weekend at the Firehouse 7s.

Under 7s coach Nicole Helmer (a Wisconsin center and former Midwest 7s All-Star), the team welcomed a mix of veterans and rookies to learn 7s and compete in this summer’s Midwest Qualifying series.

Held down in Lemont, Illinois, the Firehouse 7s saw both a social and qualifier bracket of talented women’s teams. Wisconsin started play against the Ann Arbor women and struggled to find their rhythm against an opponent that was playing 15s style. Down by two tries, Wisconsin rallied back to end the quick match with a tie.

Later in the afternoon, Wisconsin was defeated by the Detroit Women in a physical match and then earned their second loss against the very talented Youngbloodz from Minnesota featuring a number of USA Eagles. However, the team’s 7s skills improved each game and they found themselves slated to play Ann Arbor again in the final match of the day for 5th place honors.

Now feeling more comfortable in the 7s playing abilities and spacing across the field, Wisconsin dominated the Ann Arbor Women in all aspects of the game to win the match 5 tries to one.

Youngbloodz claimed the tournament title defeating the Chicago North Shore women. Detroit placed third after defeating a CARFU team.

Thank you to Coach Helmer and 7s Captain Kelly Mullen for their leadership. Thank you also to Tim Leslie for coaching and running water.

Wisconsin moves on to the Lakefront 7s next weekend.

Tournament Team:
Michelle “Mike” Blaser
Jessica Burda
Emi Frerichs
Nicole Helmer – Coach
Lily Khadempour
Tim Leslie – Water Man
Kelly Mullen – Captain
Meaghan Odling
Mollie Overby
Rebecca Stillman