WOMEN'S RUGBY

NORTHFIELD, Vt. - Coming off a third-place finish at last season's NCAA Tournament, the Norwich women's rugby team is poised to make another run at the national title in 2007. Led by a group of talented returnees, head coach Austin Hall has the Cadets headed in the right direction as the team readies for the season.

The core of last year's squad returns and that contingent combined with the skilled and athletic crop of newcomers that will be arriving on campus in August, has Hall believing that this year's team could secure that coveted national championship.

A four-year starter at fly-half, Cassie Thompson leads Norwich's list of returning veterans. Thompson, who will serve as the Cadets' team captain this season, continues to serve as the "brains of the operation" according to Hall.

An athletic performer with a wide range of talents, Sybil Taunton returns to the team in 2007 and figures to continue to be a major force in the Cadets' backfield.

Norwich will be led up front by Coral Lore and Charmaine Morris, a couple of skilled returnees who have a wealth of experience.

The incoming freshman class is highlighted by Maria Lorentzon and Ashley deGrasse. A member of Rutland (Vt.) High School's 2007 state championship team, Lorentzon is a speedy, agile back who is expected to step right in.

DeGrasse, meanwhile, is a former member of the United States under-19 national team, who transferred from Castleton State. The speedy, high-scoring back will be an exciting addition to the Cadets and is expected to make an immediate impact in 2007.

Coach Hall's goal for every game remains simple.

"We try to play ‘beautiful rugby' whenever we go out and compete," says Hall, whose team dominated the competition throughout the 2006 regular season and into the NCAA Tournament. "As a result of playing ‘beautiful rugby', we hope to win a national title."

In 2006, Norwich outscored its opponents 320-0 during the five-game regular season, before winning its first playoff game by the score of 55-0.

Remaining sharp and keeping that high intensity level throughout this upcoming season and making sure that the players focus on the task at hand in 2007 will be one of the toughest challenges facing Hall this year.

"It will be my job to ensure that everyone on the team remains humble and continues to work hard," says Hall. "Last year was a great year, but we need to go out and compete at a high level day in and day out if we are to contend for a national championship again this season."

Norwich's road to the playoffs may be a bit more challenging this season as a couple of Division I teams (Amherst and Williams) have dropped down into the Cadets' league.

"We'll have more competition in the regular season this year, which is great," says Hall. "Tougher competition is exactly what we need as we try to get ready for national competition."

Provided that the team can stick together and persevere through the rigorous season, the sky is the limit for this club, and that includes the possibility of a national title.