Flanker Kayla Thompson (Raleigh) returns for Capital. /// Photo: Colleen McCloskey •
The Stars and Capital All-Stars are facing off once again, reuniting in Leesburg, Va., for the select side programs’ second-ever meeting. The women are also contesting a developmental match as well, and games will be live-streamed courtesy of Next Level Rugby.
For the visitors, the majority of players have worn the Stars jersey before, allowing staff to continually track players against top competition.
“This year we have a more experienced team where players like Abby Smith, Julie Bode and Cyndi Campbell played on both our [Lindenwood] and Life 15s tours,” Stars Director Liz Entwhistle explained. “We also have six returning players from Scioto Valley/W1823 and a seventh rookie, so there’s familiarity. Adding in the D1/WPL players we missed over the fall adds another layer of experience and leadership, with Berkeley All Blues and Chicago North Shore supplying good numbers.”
The Stars will convene on the East Coast on Thursday and then assemble Friday morning for an indoor session at the Frederick Indoor Sports Complex (FISC). Last year, FISC was particularly accommodating during the blizzard, and the Stars were all too eager for a return visit to engage the expert staff and facilities, which a few NFL players call home. Before Sunday’s kickoff, the players will get at least two more field sessions followed by D.C. sightseeing, team bonding and dinners, and some lineout practice against the Washington Monument.
The Capital All-Stars draw its players from within the Geographic Union, but several of Sunday’s starters have worn Stars jerseys in the past, and will do so again at the Las Vegas Invitational. Captaining the senior side is veteran Maggie Olney of the D.C. Furies. She’s supported by vice captain and flyhalf Chelsea Garber, who is joined by seven Raleigh teammates on the starting XV. Include the reserves and the developmental squad, and there are 12 Venom players in Capital kit this weekend.
Stars vs. Capital All-Stars
Sunday, Jan. 29 / Leesburg, Va.
(all times Eastern)
1 p.m: Women
2:30 p.m.: Developmental Women
3:15 p.m.: Men
Click here for more event info.
Watch live: Next Level Rugby YouTube
CAPITAL ALL-STARS
1. Maggie Olney – D.C. Furies (C)
2. Sara Lundy – Raleigh
3. Augustine Masiala – Raleigh
4. Avery Rain – NOVA
5. Rian Van Nordheim – James River
6. Ashleigh Van Driesen – Norfolk
7. Kayla Thompson – Raleigh
8. Katie Lutton – James River
9. Tonya Fletcher – Raleigh
10. Chelsea Garber – Raleigh (VC)
11. Kayla Cook – NOVA
12. Megan Gilmore – Raleigh
13. Jessica Meidinger – Raleigh
14. Holly Zoeller – Raleigh
15. Masha Romanchak – Severn River
Subs
16. Jillian Gordon – Severn River
17. Sarah Romano – NOVA
18. Carol Trammell – Raleigh
19. Cait Davis – Raleigh
20. Ariel Johnson – NOVA
21. Michelle Vander Ploeg – D.C. Furies
22. Meredith McAlister – Severn River
23. Chrissy Metzmaier – NOVA
CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT
1. Lisa Jackson – Raleigh
2. Jillian Gordon – Severn River
3. Lacy Ames – Frederick
4. Paddy Bruington – James River
5. Millicent Tysinger – Norfolk
6. Lucia Martino – D.C. Furies
7. Lydia Wood – Norfolk
8. Emma Nelsen – Catholic Univ.
9. Gussie Maguire – D.C. Furies
10. Meredith McAlister – Severn River
11. Michelle Schneider – NOVA
12. Michelle Vander Ploeg – D.C. Furies
13. Ariel Johnson – NOVA
14. Marya Asad – Frederick
15. Chrissy Metzmaier – NOVA
Subs
Laura Sayabouth – Raleigh
Jazz Harrison – Severn River
Rachael Cotter – Stingers
Coach: Toga Fanueli
Manager: Kristen Maxey
STARS
*Christa Banks – FL/8/C – Scioto Valley
*Chip Bell – FL – Scioto Valley
Sharyn Beodeker – SH – Scioto Valley
*Julie Bode – P – Kansas City Jazz
*Nicole Burr – L – Augusta
*Cyndi Campbell – C – Scioto Valley
Rose DiBalsamo – FH/SH – Chicago North Shore
*Frieda Fetu’u – FL/C – Berkeley All Blues
*Devonna Francis – SH/FH – Scioto Valley
*Lis Gallant – H/FL – Tampa /Fort Miami
*Charli Jacoby – P/L – Chicago North Shore
Emily Hranchook – C – Oakland University
Raelyn Jehlik – FL – Charlotte
Haley Joslin – L – Fort Miami
*Katy Marlow – P/L/8 – Scioto Valley
*Ryhan Nadji – L/FL – Atlanta Harlequins
*Emily Oor – SH – St Albert (Canada)
*Andrea Sanchez – W – Scioto Valley
Kadie Sanford – P/H – Chicago North Shore
*Abby Smith – FB/W – Kansas City Jazz
*Keta Sutton – H/FL – Atlanta Harlequins
*Madison Taylor – W/C – Berkeley All Blues
*Rebecca Trapp – P/L – Pittsburgh Angels
Kayla Williams – FL – Augusta
* veteran of previous Stars tour
Coaches: Nic Benson, Joel Bonnaud, Jeff Horton
Chiropractor: Marissa Hols
Director: Liz Entwhistle
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