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U-23 Women
report submitted by Coach Mike May

The team had an excellent weekend in Gainesville . All four of our schools were represented on the team, plus the Charleston women's team. All of the player's played well as individuals and came together to make a talented team. We started with Florida , the two time defending LAU champions. I was hoping Florida would take us lightly but that did not turn out to be the case. Florida started their strongest side that included five players who are aging out at the end of the year. Out of this group they had a former All American scrumhalf and US Eagles sevens wing.

In the first half the Florida experience showed and they took a 27-0 halftime lead. We made some adjustments at the half and more importantly the team realized they could play with Florida and adjusted to the intensity of the match. The ladies played hard until the end playing Florida to a 10-10 second half. After the match the Florida coach, the referee and the South coach all came over to me and were impressed with our team and more importantly the heart of the team.

We then sat and watched our next opponent play. Georgia and North Carolina had a tight match with North Carolina winning. Warming up for the match our team was confident and loose and needed no motivation. The first fifteen minutes saw each team feeling each other out, with neither putting any significant pressure on the other. Palmetto opened the scoring (against Ga.) with a nice 60-meter try from our center and from there the route was on. We scored eight try's and gave up one penalty goal after a nice try line defensive stand. Final score 50-3 Palmetto.

T he Palmetto team was the youngest team at the tournament and realistically the second best team on the day. I think we proved to everyone we have some real talent. After meeting with the South coaches we can expect 7-8 invites for the camp in January. A very successful and enjoyable weekend.

Thanks for the opportunity to work with these players.

Mike May, Palmetto U-23 Coach.

2006 Palmetto U-23 Roster

Allie Krodrzycki - Furman
Angel Cruz - Furman
Claudia Cline - Furman
Collee Toman - South Carolina
Danielle Tice - South Carolina
Emily Mogan - Charleston women
Erin Crawford - College of Chas
Giger Garbisch - College of Chas
Heather Lewis - Citadel
Jasmine Utsey - College of Chas
Jennifer Jenkins - Furman
Jessica Clohessy - South Carolina
Jessica Fields - South Carolina
Kirsten Nelsen - Furman
Rose Burlingham - Furman
Wilma Harp - Citadel

College men
report submitted by Coach Jim Gaine

We had 17 players turn-up Friday night with a great attitude to play. Our first game on Saturday morning was against the defending champions, GRU at 8:30AM . The first half was a bit shaky as the players were working out the lack of cohesion and went into halftime down 12-0. The PRU stepped it up in the second half and made the GRU nervous as they started to string phases together. There were many unfinished drives that could have put the Palmetto over the top but, the GRU had more energy in the end and pulled out a 22-15 victory. The loss pitted the Palmetto team against the winner of the Deep South and North Carolina match.

The Deep South were a no-show so the Palmetto had a challenge in facing a fresh, 'home' NC side that were looking to prove themselves. As was the case in the first match, the PRU went down early and couldn't match the intensity of the hard charging NC side. The halftime score was 29-0 and the Palmetto had to try something different. Adjustments to personnel due to injury and fitness seemed to add new life the PRU team.

Once again the Palmetto guys turned it on the second half and scored 20 unanswered points causing the NC coach fits. With less than ten minutes left to play the NC backline scooped-up their own errant pass and turned the corner on the PRU defense. This try seemingly broke the backs of the Palmetto team and NC added another try to finish the game with a 41-20 victory.

I have to commend the spirit and attitude the players brought to the tournament. They had everything going against them and they never questioned or made excuses. They held their heads high following the games knowing they did their best on the day. Many spoke with excitement about next year and wishing we could have had more time to prepare.

Thanks for the opportunity. Yours truly,

Jim Gaine, PRU Coach

2006 Palmetto Roster

1. Josh Baird - Coastal
2. Jeremy Romesburg - Coastal
3. Travis Cox - Lander
4. Jordan Elmquist - Lander
5. John Hoehman - Coastal
6. "Jimmy" Vorac - Citadel
7. David Wipperman - Citadel
8 . Adam Tenke - Furman
9. Elliot "Screech" Rechtin - Coastal
10. Brad McClain - Lander
12. Zach Mullinax - Furman
13. Brian Morris - Coastal
11. Jarred Newton - Citadel
14. Jonathan Leitch - Coastal
15. Blair Barton - Furman
16. Michael Warwick - Citadel
17. Stephen Pease - Coastal