Village Lions - 6th in the Nation

The Village Lions made its fourth appearance at the Women's Division II National Championship and exited the weekend as the sixth best team in the US. Qualifying for nationals was the team's season-long goal, which was unachievable without the 33 women who traveled to Florida in support. Captain Jess Houser was named Woman of the Weekend for her anchoring performance over the three matches, and flyhalf Lisa Dummeyer earned Silent Force for stepping up and playing a position for which she hadn't played most of the season.

In Round I, the Lions faced off against hosts Orlando, a young, fast team rooted in the University of Central Florida. Their wily backs were difficult to contain and their forwards were quick to every breakdown. Despite a valiant effort from the Lions, the NYC squad went down 36-0.

1. Meg O'Connell, 2. Jess Henck (Meredith Harmon), 3. Kim Siciliano, 4. Skip Charlick, 5. Jess Houser (Sarah McQuade), 6. Trina Lear (Emma Fischer), 7. Susan Pellecchia, 8. Meg Collins (Houser), 9. Becca Asser, 10. Lisa Dummeyer, 11. Sophie Denis, 12. Marne Sussman (Collins), 13. Krista Buckley, 14. Laura Detmer (Cris Maisano), 15. Alli Hinke.

In true Lions fashion, the girls rallied in game two, topping Harrisburg. Harrisburg had dropped its opener to eventual DII Champion Detroit, and the two teams were battling for the 5th place match on Sunday.

1. Meg O'Connell, 2. Jess Henck, 3. Kim Siciliano (Becca Gobeille), 4. Sarah McQuade, 5. Sharon Berger, 6. Trina Lear (Emma Fischer), 7. Susan Pellecchia, 8. Jess Houser, 9. Becca Asser, 10. Lisa Dummeyer, 11. Sophie Denis, 12. Meg Collins, 13. Krista Buckley, 14. Rabi Whittaker, 15. Alli Hinke.

Oddly enough, every Sunday match occured between teams from the same territory. The Lions faced Albany, whom they beat 10-0 at regionals a few weeks earlier. Unfortunately, the wind was blowing Albany's way, and the Lions lost to finish in 6th place.

Woman of the Weekend - Jess Houser; Silent Force - Lisa Dummeyer.