WOMEN'S RUGBY

Women's Rugby: Four Cadets Named To Northeast Under-19 Team

MALTA, N.Y. - On Sunday, Oct. 19, five Norwich University women's rugby players tried out for the Northeast Under-19 All-Star team, and four of the players were selected to the final 22-player roster. 

Sophomore prop Alicia Seda was named to the team for the second year in a row. Seda, who hails from the Bronx, N.Y., has been a fixture in the Norwich front row since the fall of 2007. Her strength and fitness are outstanding, but it is her mobility that sets her apart from the competition. Seda's defensive instincts and leadership make her an outstanding all-around player. Seda leads all Norwich forwards with four tries this season.

Joining Seda on the squad is freshman prop Christine Aye. The Longmeadow, Mass., native has just two months experience on the rugby pitch, but she has already established herself as a hard-hitting prop with the speed to cover a lot of ground. A perfect match for Seda in the front row, Aye's keen interest in learning the game has quickly brought her to the all-star level.

Sophomore scrumhalf Maria Lorentzon joins the regional team for the first time after numerous all-star selections at the state and local levels.  Her tenacious style of play has developed in recent years as she has added a coolness and technical aptitude to her arsenal. A product of Shrewsbury, Vt., Lorentzon has scored three tries for Norwich this fall.

Freshman center Katie Hathaway rounds out the Norwich selections for the 2008 team. Hathaway, who came to NU from Amesbury, Mass., brings a wealth of athleticism, speed and strength to every match. Hathaway is a terrific athlete, who earned varsity letters in field hockey, basketball and softball while in high school. Her desire to compete is top-notch. She is a hard-hitting, aggressive running center, who leads all freshmen with seven tries on the season.  

"These players represented Norwich well at the tryout," said NU head coach Austin Hall. "Playing on Sunday, after a tough match with UVM the day before could not have been easy, and I was happy to see that their fitness carried them through the weekend. Their intensity and desire to represent the Northeast Union with a positive attitude and tremendous work ethic are second to none. Congratulations to them for their efforts."

The National All-Star Championships will be held in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Nov. 22 and 23.