Sopahn Kellogg runs for a Try (similar to a touch down in American Football). Photo by Derek Lucero
Danae Nielson successfully hands off the ball following a tackle. Photo by Derek Lucero
STAFF REPORT
The Los Alamos Bombshells girls Rugby Team won four of five games in the High School High Desert Tournament Saturday and took second place against eight teams from throughout New Mexico.
When a competing coach at the tournament commented on the depth of the Los Alamos team this year, LA Bombshell Coach Daniel Sheppard smiled and replied that he had recruited a few cheerleaders … these girls were not there to cheer on the sidelines but to tackle, strip the ball, run and score.
Three of the team members also are on the Los Alamos Varsity High School Competition Cheer Team including Melanie Borup, Sopahn Kellogg and Lorinda Lucero – all seniors. Kellogg explained, “Cheerleading and rugby share the challenge of mind over matter, not focusing on being afraid of getting hurt. In both sports, you need to know where all your body parts are at all times!”
LA Bombshell team members are Melanie Borup, June Cooke, Frederiek Gerretschen, Joanna O’neil, Sopahn Kellogg, Kaidin Liming, Emily Lloyd, Lorinda Lucero, Danae Nielson and Steffie Nielson.
Final Team Standings:
- Albuquerque Westside Ruckus
- Los Alamos Bombshells
- Mesilla Valley AfterShock
- Albuquerque Pumas
- Albuquerque Herminitias
- Las Lunas Gitanas
- Albuquerque Sugar Skulls
- San Juan Girls Rugby
The Bombshells are welcoming new members from high school and middle school. Anyone interested in learning more about playing rugby may contact Coach Dan at 505.310.7877 or shepnerds@gmail.com. The team practices 4:30-6 p.m. Monday and Wednesday at the Pueblo Complex.
Melanie Borup breaks a tackle. Photo by Derek Lucero
Sopahn Kellogg tackles a player to hold the Albuquerque Pumas from scoring. Photo by Derek Lucero
