WOMEN'S RUGBY

NORTHFIELD, Vt. - Sophomore lock Kelly Allenspach (Andover, N.J.) and freshman prop Alicia Seda (Bronx, N.Y.) have been invited to the Northeast Under-19 All-Star trials. The Top 26 players from the trials will represent the Northeast in the national All-Star competition held November 17-18 in Nashville, Tenn. From here, the Top 26 players of the five regions represented will be asked to join the U-19 National team.

Player selections for the initial trial were based on coach recommendations and positional depth. Playing experience in the highly-competitive NERFU league was looked at as well.

Both Allenspach and Seda are in their first season of rugby. Allenspach began learning the game last summer as she practiced with the Great Northern Women's club, based in Burlington, Vt. Seda, who arrived at Norwich with a hand injury, has recently made the Cadets' starting line-up and is performing well.

"We knew Kelly would fit right into our system when she first picked up the ball," said NU head coach Austin Hall. "She loves the game, she is an outstanding learner and she gives her best every day at practice and in matches.

"Alicia wasn't able to play when she arrived at Norwich, but she came to every practice and watched and listened intently, added Hall. "Now that she's playing, she's developing quickly, and she exhibits toughness and maturity beyond her years."

The trials are held Oct. 21 in Albany, N.Y. Head coach K.O. Onufry of Middlebury College and former USA National team coach Kevin O'Brien will make the final Northeast selections then.