NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Freda Tafuna scored three tries as the United States defeated Italy 54-24 to sweep their two-match series and extend the Women’s Eagles’ winning streak to five games.
The American forwards accounted for all eight tries, including two from starting prop Keia Mae Sagapolu-Senele and one from Lauryn Carlton in her debut. Georgie Perris-Redding and Kate Zackary also scored, while Bella Vogel made seven conversions.
Alev Kelter earned player of the match honors after gaining 110 meters and repeatedly breaking through Italy’s defense while playing on the wing.
Italy scored twice in the opening 14 minutes before the United States answered with four consecutive tries to take control before halftime.
Sagapolu-Senele started the comeback in the 19th minute, collecting the ball at the base of a ruck and powering across the line. She added another close-range score in the 27th minute.
Kelter’s carries helped open space for the American attack, which produced Carlton’s try in the 32nd minute. Tafuna added her first shortly before halftime.
U.S. coach Jack Hanratty said the performance reflected the team’s emphasis on maintaining pressure and making better decisions.
“They put their foot on the throttle a bit more today, which is something that takes a lot of learning,” Hanratty said.
Tafuna scored again in the 43rd minute and completed her hat trick in the 64th. Perris-Redding added a try in the 60th after the forwards worked the ball close to Italy’s goal line.
Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi and Beatrice Rigoni scored second-half tries for Italy, but the Americans maintained control with help from their reserves.
Zackary finished the U.S. scoring with a try from a ruck in the 76th minute. Vogel followed with her seventh conversion.
Hanratty credited the bench for helping sustain the winning streak, saying the team needs greater depth to reach its goal of becoming one of the world’s top five programs.
He also praised the players and staff for maintaining their enthusiasm through six weeks together, describing the tour’s energy as a strength heading into the final match.
The Eagles next face top-ranked England on Friday, Oct. 30, in New Jersey. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. EDT, with coverage on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network.
