Women Over Belmont in Opener
The SMRC Women kicked off their regular season with a win away over Belmont Shore with a score of 38-12.
Belmont came out with all guns blazing in the first 10 minutes, pinning Santa Monica against their try line. Through great pressure defense, Santa Monica was able to force a turnover and maintain possession back down the field. Captain Whitney Vance capitalized off a breakdown and broke through the Belmont defense, scoring Santa Monica’s first try of the match (conversion by Vance, 7-0). Shortly thereafter, the Santa Monica pack secured the ball off a scrum and got it into the hands of Lucy Tin, who ran the ball in for another try (12-0).
Belmont answered back quickly, using their strong wings to score in the corner. (Conversion good, 12-7). The next 10 minutes were a battle back and forth between the two teams, with the Santa Monica forwards crashing the ball into the try zone. The try was called held up, but Santa Monica scored anyway off the 5 meter scrum, again in the hands of Tin (17-7). However, Belmont closed the half with a strong finish, scoring once more and ending the half 17-12.
The second half continued to be physical, but Santa Monica was able to keep their composure, using their speed and strength to stretch the Belmont defense and continue to put tries up on the scoreboard. The Dolphins moved the ball well and got the ball to Hannah Han, who touched the ball down for a birthday try (Vance kick good, 24-12). Winger Alex Walker came off the bench with a powerful run down the sideline, breaking several tackles for another 5 points (Vance kick good, 31-12). Belmont fought furiously in the last minutes of the match and had the ‘Phins pinned in their own 22 when Tin burst through the steal the ball and run it down the length of the pitch. After a quick chip and forward breakdown, Tin reclaimed the ball and scored the last try of the game, ending the match with a good conversion from Vance and final score of 38-12.
Santa Monica heads to Tempe next weekend for their next league match.
