The Midwest U19 Girls' Thunderbirds used a powerful forward pack, sharp finishing wide, and a trademark stifling defense to bring home its 2nd National All Star Championship.

The Thunderbirds went to Florida with a large squad of 27 players due to the expanded 3 match layout for the Tournament.  That proved to be a good decision as the heat and intensity was a factor for all of the Teams participating.  The Thunderbirds featured players from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. 

Southern California Griffins:  Southern Cal looked daunting boasting powerful school programs and momentum built from last year’s event.  The Midwest Girls came out firing though and were able to touch down 46 seconds after kickoff.  After that it was a back and forth affair with the MW using defensive pressure and set piece authority to disrupt possession and keep pressure on the Griffins.  The Thunderbirds scored twice more before half time with Fullback Lexi Getz hitting 2 of 3 in the half for a 19 to 0 lead.  In the second half the pressure started turning into points as the Midwest scored 33 points for a 54 to 0 victory. 

Lineup: 

Pack:  Ford, Hale, La Mons, Langhans, Nye, Peeters, Santiago, M Strunk

Backs:  Akonta, Getz, Mattson, Mertins, Netherland, Stenoin (C), Weismueller

Tries:  Akonta, Hale, Mertins (2), Mattson, Nye, Stenoin, West  |  Conversions:  Getz (3), West (2), Mesa (2)

Player of the Match:  Crystal Nye

USA U20 Eagles:  In what would provide the sternest test of the tournament and an intensity fitting of a final the Midwest Girls started off fast again with Captain and #8, Mary Jo Reddy, punching in a tight ball after only 3 minutes.  The Eagles broke for 50m plus 3 times in the match, but each time the relentless Midwest defense kept from breaking.  Absorbing enormous pressure the Thunderbirds were able to keep the Eagles from punching over.  Karlee West was immense, making a massive amount of tackles from Flyhalf and routinely breaking the USA line, and won 5 to 0 after a masterful Catch and clearance from Fullback Lexi Getz.

Lineup:

Pack:  Carrasquillo, Ford, Hale, LaMons, Nye, Reddy (C), K Strunk, M Strunk

Backs:  Akonta, Koehler, Netherland, Ritter, Stenoin, Weismeuller, West

Tries:  Reddy

Player of the Match:  Karlee West

Northeast All Stars:  In the National Championship match the Thunderbirds faced the Northeast All Stars who themselves were bruised and battered.  The Thunderbirds used the same recipe of set piece and defensive dominance to pound out a 22 to 0 lead at halftime.  That lead would be tested by the Northeast's outstanding Fullback as she raced to 2 tries in a hard comeback effort.  The Midwest stood firm and used their rotation allowing for fresh legs to finish off the match and held off the Northeast for a 22 to 14 win.  Those 14 points were the first surrendered in 8 matches this year for the relentless Thunderbirds.

Lineup: 

Pack:  Carasquillo, Ford, Hale, La Mons, Langhans, Peeters, Reddy (C), K Strunk

Backs:  Akonta, Getz, Mattson, Mesa, Ritter, Stenoin, West

Tries:  Akonta (2), Netherland, K Strunk  |  Conversions:  Getz (1)

Player of the Match:  Mary Joe Reddy