Ilona Maher, Team USA finish sixth in rugby sevens at Tokyo Olympics
Vermont's Ilona Maher and the United States women's national team battled it out in rugby sevens at the Tokyo Olympics.
The former Burlington High School standout and the U.S. national squad wrapped Olympic competition early Saturday morning, falling to Australia in the fifth-place final at Tokyo Stadium.
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For Maher and Team USA's showings during the three-day tournament, read below our live recaps during the three-day tournament:
Wednesday, July 28
POOL PLAY GAME NO. 1
► Final: United States 28, China 14
After yielding the game's opening try, Maher and the American women stormed back to seize an 28-7 margin to wrap up a key victory in their opening pool play game. China scored in the final seconds to complete the scoring.
More:In Burlington, family, friends cheer Ilona Maher's Olympic debut
Thursday, July 29
POOL PLAY GAME NO. 2
► Final: United States 17, Japan 7
Maher and Team USA advance to the quarterfinals of the women's seven tournament with a strong showing against host country Japan. Maher raced to the game's opening try, stiff-arming her way to five points.
A late score for Japan broke up the potential shutout for the American women.
POOL PLAY NO. 3
► Final: United States 14, Australia 12
The Australian women controlled the pitch throughout the first half, but it was a strong second half for the American women that gave them the win in the final group play match.
The American women will now move on to the quarterfinals after going undefeated in pool play.
Friday, July 30
QUARTERFINALS
►Final: Great Britain 21, United States 12
Great Britain broke out to a 14-point lead in the first half and never looked back in the quarterfinals of the women's seven rugby competition. Jasmine Joyce put the Great Britain women up by 21 in the second half with her second try of the match.
The American women ended the shutout with less than three minutes left in the second half, but it wasn't enough. It was strong defense throughout the match for Great Britain that secured their spot in the semifinals.
The American women will play China in the fifth place semifinal tonight at 9:30 p.m. eastern. Great Britain will go on to play France in the semifinals.
FIFTH PLACE SEMIFINAL
►Final: United States 33, China 14
Ilona Maher could not be stopped in the second half against China with two scores and strong fends on both tries. It was an incredible offensive showing for the Vermont native as she sealed the victory for the United States.
Maher did not enter the match until the second half, but she made her presence felt almost immediately. Her first try came nearly two minutes after entering.
After a disappointing offensive match against Great Britain the United States had their best performance of the tournament.
Saturday, July 31
FIFTH PLACE FINAL
►Final: Australia 17, United States 7
A defensive battle in the fifth place final leads to a victory for team Australia. The American women struggled to maintain procession during the match and finished in sixth place.
Contact Alex Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @aabrami5.
Contact Jacob Rousseau at 401-484-2813 or JRousseau@gannett.com. Follow on Twitter: @ByJacobRousseau