Editor's Note: The Rugby Cats faced Lyceé Sorel Albert on Monday afternoon, defeating the hosts, 17-12. Pen played the full 70 minutes, scoring two tries.

Coming in, I didn't really know what to expect playing kids from France.

I knew they would all be skilled and have great knowledge of the game. At home in the United States, there are so few opportunities to learn and to play growing up, which differs some from the experience in France.

Playing with the language barrier can be tough at times, but it was a great experience for the most part. The sir having to relay the calls in two languages did make things more challenging.

The good part about it is that there is no trash talk or as much complaining, because we don't understand each other. It makes for a more pure game.

Throughout the game, you could sense the mutual respect between both sides. Then, you could see it even more after the game with all the hugs and the tunnels they made for us to run through.

This experience will stay with me for a long time after the trip is over and really makes me appreciate the game so much more.