Vancouver, BC – The USA Women’s Sevens Eagles claimed a bronze medal at the HSBC SVNS Vancouver tournament on March 8, 2026, defeating France 35-21 in a hard-fought third-place playoff. The result marks a significant step forward for the team, ending a string of fourth-place finishes and delivering on their goal of reaching the podium in Canada. The HSBC SVNS series is a key component of preparations for the 2026 HSBC SVNS World Championship.
The Eagles began the weekend strongly, opening with a dominant 40-7 victory over the host nation, Canada. This performance set the tone for a tournament that saw moments of brilliance and resilience from the American squad. The team’s success in Vancouver underscores their growing competitiveness on the world stage and builds momentum as they head towards the final stop of the series.
Dominant Win Over Canada
The USA Women’s Sevens Eagles made a statement against Canada, securing a decisive 40-7 win. Su Adegoke led the charge with a hat trick, establishing a commanding 19-0 lead in the first half. Kristi Kirshe added another try, powering through the Canadian defense for a 60-meter score, while Kaylen Thomas and Autumn Czaplicki sealed the victory with late tries. Ashley Cowdrey and Sariah Ibarra contributed with conversions, showcasing the team’s all-around offensive prowess.
Battles with Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand
Following their impressive opening win, the Eagles faced a tough test against Fiji, ultimately prevailing 26-19. Su Adegoke continued her strong form, scoring the opening try for the USA. A back-and-forth contest saw both teams trade momentum, with Sammy Sullivan, Sariah Ibarra, and Sarah Levy also crossing the try line. The Eagles then faced Australia in their final pool play match, falling to a 22-7 defeat despite a try from Sullivan.
Day two saw the USA take on New Zealand in the Cup Semi-Final. Despite a spirited effort and tries from Kaylen Thomas and Sarah Levy, the Eagles were ultimately defeated 19-12. New Zealand proved too strong capitalizing on their attacking opportunities and securing a spot in the final.
Bronze Medal Victory Over France
Determined to finish the tournament on a high note, the USA faced France in the 3rd Place Play-Off. Ariana Ramsey opened the scoring for the Eagles, but France responded with two tries of their own. A strategic performance from Sammy Sullivan, leveling the score at 14-all at halftime, proved crucial. In the second half, Kaylen Thomas showcased her power with two tries, securing a 35-21 victory and the bronze medal for the USA. Sariah Ibarra and Tahna Wilfley added conversions to complete the scoring.
Next Stop: New York City
Coming off their bronze medal win, the USA Women’s Sevens Eagles will now travel back to home soil for the final stop of the HSBC SVNS Series in New York City. Fans will have the opportunity to watch the team compete at the Sports Illustrated Stadium on March 14-15. Tickets are available for purchase at https://sitickets.com/group/team/hsbc-svns-new-york, and the tournament will also be live-streamed on Paramount+.
USA Women’s Sevens Eagles Roster – VAN SVNS
- Ariana Ramsey (19 Caps)
- Erica Coulibaly (5 Caps)
- Tahna Wilfley (5 Caps)
- Kristi Kirshe (C) (35 Caps)
- Sarah Levy (18 Caps)
- Rachel Strasdas (12 Caps)
- Kaylen Thomas (9 Caps)
- Sammy Sullivan (20 Caps)
- Su Adegoke (12 Caps)
- Ashley Cowdrey (6 Caps)
- Hann Humphreys (6 Caps)
- Nalu Liufau* (2 Caps) – Traveling Reserve
- Autumn Czaplicki (7 Caps)
VAN SVNS Results
- USA v CAN | (W) 40-7 – Tries: S. Adegoke (3), K. Kirshe, K. Thomas, A. Czaplicki; Conv: A. Cowdrey (3), S. Ibarra (2)
- USA v FIJ | (W) 26-19 – Tries: S. Adegoke, S. Sullivan, S. Ibarra, S. Levy; Conv: A. Cowdrey, T. Wilfley (2)
- USA v AUS | (L) 7-22 – Tries: S. Sullivan; Conv: S. Ibarra
- USA v NZL | (L) 12-19 – Tries: K. Thomas, S. Levy; Conv: A. Cowdrey
- USA v France (W) 35-21 – Tries: K. Thomas (2), S. Sullivan (2), A. Ramsey; Conv: S. Ibarra (3), T. Wilfley (2)
The USA Women’s Sevens Eagles’ performance in Vancouver demonstrates their continued growth and potential. With the HSBC SVNS World Championship on the horizon, the team will look to build on this momentum and continue to compete at the highest level. The New York City stop of the series will be a crucial opportunity for the Eagles to showcase their skills in front of a home crowd and fine-tune their preparations for the championship.
What are your thoughts on the Eagles’ performance in Vancouver? Share your comments below and let us realize what you’re looking forward to seeing in New York City!
