Women's Rugby | 8/31/2016 1:31:00 PM

ELLENSBURG, Wash. (Aug. 31) – The Central Washington University women's rugby team heads north of the border to take on the University of Victoria in a pair of fixtures on Thursday (Sept. 1) and Friday (Sept. 2). 
 
The Vikes had a pair of players selected to play for Canada's U20 team earlier this month against England.  Gabrielle Senft and Jennifer Appleby suited up for Canada in a three-game series against England.
 
Senft also suited up for Canada's Maple Leafs during July on a tour to Utah.  She was the CIS Rookie of the Year, becoming the first UVic player to win a major CIS award in women's rugby. 
 
Appleby helped lead her side to a silver at the U20 Canadian Rugby Championships.  She is entering her second season as a prop for the Vikes.
 
The Wildcats return a strong lineup for 2016.  USA All-Americans Jenny Johnson, Asinate Serevi, Yana Manoa, Hanna Lewandowski, and Leah Ingold return to Central after a strong 2015. 
 
Serevi earned her first international test cap against Canada in early July.
 
Head Coach Mel Denham brought in eight players for the new year, including sophomore Ashlee Byrge.  The transfer from Davenport University has already garnered accolades within the rugby world.  Last summer she suited up for the U20 US Rugby squad in the Can-Am Series. 
 
Byrge also played on the 2015 Calgary Sevens Stars Tour.  In 2014 she was named the MVP of the Serevi Rugby Cup, en route to guiding her side to a Championship. 
 
Kick off is scheduled for noon on both days.