WOMEN'S RUGBY

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Norwich senior women's rugby standout Ashley de Grasse scored a try and played in both matches for the Under-23 Northeast All-Stars on June 14 and 15, as the NRU Selects won its bracket of the National All-Star championships by beating the South 43-0 and the West 35-3. 

The first-place finish moves the team into the elite division for next year.

NRU Coach Richard Ashfield was impressed with de Grasse's performance over the course of the two-day event.

"Her strength in contact was a tremendous asset to us, and her willingness to learn was great," said Ashfield. "She adapted to our style and speed of play very quickly."

De Grasse, who hails from nearby Colchester, Vt., is hopeful that she will return to the U.S. National Team. This summer's squad will be announced in the coming weeks.