Anchored by Eastern Illinois graduate Lauren Doyle, the U.S. women’s rugby team lost in the quarterfinals Friday and have been eliminated from medal contention.
The U.S. women rallied late in the match, but ultimately lost 21-12 to Great Britain. The squad, which will begin consolation bracket play Saturday, can finish no higher than fifth place.
The loss came hours after the team — referred to as the Eagles Seven in the Rugby world — upset top-seeded Australia in pool play. The squad went undefeated in their first three preliminary matches, beating Japan and China as well.
With Friday’s loss, the team cannot improve on its performance in Rio, where it finished fifth in the Olympic debut of rugby sevens. Only Doyle and center Alev Kelter are returning from the 2016 squad.
Doyle, who grew up in the central Illinois town of Boody, played 15-a-side rugby at Eastern Illinois before being introduced to the sevens at Chicago North Shore club during her senior year in college. Though she has played center for most of her career with the national team, she switched to fly-half to take advantage of her passing ability.
She has announced plans to retire after this Olympics.
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