TOKYO, Japan – Great Britain's women's rugby 7s jumped out to a 14-0 first half lead over the Team U.S.A. and never looked back in claiming a 21-12 win that eliminated Williams College alum Kristi Kirshe the Americans from medal contention.

 

Great Britain was tactically superior on the day with clever ball handling and swarming tackles.  

 

Jasmine Joyce scored on a try just 38 seconds into the game with a quick burst of speed. The try was followed by a successful conversion by Holly Atchison and Great Britain went on top, 7-0.

 

The swarming Great Britain defense that pinned the USA inside its own 22 for long stretches in the first half resulted in another Great Britain try and conversion at 2:21 of the first half. Abigail Brown notched the try. Atchison again booted home a conversion and Great Britain owned a 14 point lead.

 

Just more than a minute into the second half the Great Britain lead was extended to 21 points when Jasmine Joyce scored her second try and Atchison again converted.

 

Kirshe got the USA on the scoreboard when she tallied a try with just over two and a half minutes remaining in the game. The USA conversion failed and Great Britain led 21-5.

 

The USA’s Naya Tapper recorded a try with just 31 seconds remaining and Nicole Heavirland’s conversion made the final score 21-12 and ended the USA team’s dream of winning a medal.