WOMEN'S RUGBY

ALBANY, N.Y. - Sophomore Kelly Allenspach and freshman Alicia Seda have been selected to join the 2007 Northeast U-19 All-Star Team. More than 50 girls from across New England and New York tried out for the team on Oct. 21. Joining this pool were 70 additional players who had been recommended by their coaches. Just 22 of the hopefuls were asked to join the team.

"This is great news for the girls and for the team," said NU team captain Cassie Thompson. "We wish them good luck and know that this experience will boost their confidence level as we enter the playoffs."

Allenspach is a Biology major who currently holds a 3.91 GPA. In just her first season of play, she is leading the team in Caps (rugby term for games played) and minutes played. As a lock, she is the driving force behind the Norwich scrum and a lifter in the line-outs. Her loose play is exceptional as she covers much ground and is tough to tackle. While lock is not typically a scoring position, Allenspach has scored one try in her first 10 matches.

Seda is in her first semester at Norwich where she plans to major in Management. Since recovering from a summer injury, she has earned her way to the starting line-up and has now played three matches for the team. As a prop, she makes the initial contact with the opposition during scrums. Once engaged, she wrestles her opponent, attempting to drive her backwards. Seda is also a lifter in the line-outs who has the ability to cover the entire field. Her mobility at prop is uncanny.

"The girls have represented the university and the rugby program well," said NU head coach Austin Hall.  "As new players, they were nervous to play with the top U-19's in the Northeast, but they overcame their fears, relied on their instincts and their learned abilities and they did what they needed to do to make the team. They are excellent additions to the select-side.

"Norwich freshman Anita Moreno also tried out for the team," added Hall. "She was not selected, but she should be recognized for her efforts. She played very well at the trials and I know she will make this team in the future if that is what she desires. She will continue to play an important role for Norwich as we enter the playoffs."

Nine colleges, four U-19 clubs and three high schools are represented on the team. Brown University earned the highest representation with four players selected, followed by Norwich and Buffalo with two each.

The Northeast U-19's will travel to Nashville, Tenn., on Nov. 16 for a day of practice and two days of match play against All-Star teams from around the country. The United States U-19 national All-Star team will be selected at that time.