USD competes in West Coast Sevens

USD has been a mainstay at the west coast sevens tournament since it’s inception. For the last 5 years the games have been played on treasure island in San Francisco, one of the top rugby destinations in the nation. The tournament draws teams from all over the west coast, with powerhouse squads like Cal and Arizona usually winning the tournament. USD uses the tournament to build experience and skills of the team, while testing players against top level competition.

USD had a very unfortunate start to the tournament, losing to UC Davis and having 3 players sent to the hospital with injuries. USD would recover and play some decent rugby against the University of Arizona, but ultimately losing by a significant margin to one of the best teams in the country. USD would end the day on a high note, beating UC Santa Cruz to finish the day 1-2 and 3rd place in their pool. Senio Mikhail Mabourakh scored 2 tries in the game, with Freshman Henri Vatinel adding 2 of his own as well. Both players performed well all weekend.

On day 2 of the tournament USD ran out of gas with an undermanned squad. The squad depth was not there with the injuries, and they went 0-2 on day 2. Darren Seward filled in very well at captain after injuries to USD’s captain and vice-captain in game 1 thrust him into the role. It was by no means up to the standard USD wanted to perform at, but the opportunity to play top level competition was met by the Toreros.

USD West Coast 7 squad: Standing row from left: Guest alumni coach Tony Samaniego, Mickey Miller (Senior, Captain), Mark Boschetti (Freshman), Brett Filippin (Junior), Sam Moeller (Senior), Darren Seward (Junior), Henri Vatinel (Freshman), Cameron Miller (Sophomore), Head Coach Kevin Eaton, Kneeling row from left: Guest alumni coach Matty Sandoval, Jordan Sandoval (Freshman) Matthew Desalvo (Junior) Mikhail Mabourakh (Senior)Conor O’Shaugnessey (Sophomore), Adam Swete (Senior)