Pacific North Recap: Top Women's Sides Soar
Pacific Northwest Women’s Division II:
Emerald City Mudhens defended more than their home field and unbeaten record against Tacoma Sirens; they defended their goal line from being crossed. The Mudhens pecked away at the Sirens’ usually staunch defense, racking up points while not allowing Tocama on the board at all, despite an Emerald City yellow card. The sirens’ song was muted 77-0. Budd Bay Bandits travelled south across the Washington border to face Oregon Sports Union D2 (ORSU) with hopes of remaining in second place in the standings. In another lopsided game, Budd Bay raced to a 0-41 lead at the half. The Bandits allowed a couple consolation tries in the second half before stealing the victory 10-80. Coming off a tough loss against Emerald City, Bend Lady Roughriders regained their composure at home against Eugene reign. In another match that saw a 70+ point differential, it was all Bend behind a 32 point performance by #12, Xela Goodman. Eugene never gave up, though, scoring a converted try in the final 5 minutes to save the shutout, but accepted defeat 79-7.
Pacific Northwest Men’s Division III & IV:
Portland Lumberjacks hosted Bend as the Roughriders looked to make another statement following last week’s commanding victory. They started out quickly with a try from #12 Mike Gamm who put up 16 of Bend’s 46 first half points. Bend would topple the Lumberjacks 80-7 and move ahead of Eugene in the standings. To add to the day of lopsided victories, Budd Bay Buffaloes played host to Eastside Axemen. A defensive battle at first, there wasn’t a score until Budd Bay’s #10 James Barnwell slotted a Penalty kick at 22 minutes. That opened the door for Bud Bay and they would end the half 27-0. The buffaloes were on open ground the second half, stampeding to a 68-0 win. Clark County Chiefs hosted the undefeated Seattle Quake in a match that would shorten the gap between #11 and #2 seed in the standings. Seattle would score almost immediately, sending a statement to Clark County that a win would not come easy. Clark County answered after a comprehensive back and forth and jumped in the lead 10-5. Quake would add a drop goal, and the score would remain in Clark County’s favor going into the half 10-8. Whatever was said in the huddle at half time worked, as Seattle came out strong. The Quake wouldn’t stop rumbling until a last minute try by Clark County, but the damage had been done and the Chiefs fall 17-39.
Pacific Northwest Men’s Division II:
D2 had its share of one-sided victories as well. Eastside Tsunami completely washed away the visiting Valley Kangaroos 60-0, behind #14 Sione Diaz’s hat-trick of tries. Boise United made the long trip to Chuckanut Bay and had an easy time defending their unbeaten record as they sunk the Geoducks 5-89. Tacoma Nomads had their last road trip of the first half down in Portland and faced an underrated Pigs side. The injury-riddled Nomad side failed to find any footing against an unremitting defense and forward pack. Tacoma was held to two tries as they lost 48-12.
