BIDDEFORD, Maine -- University of New England women's rugby players Salma Bezzat, Mackenzie Burke, Allie Gilbert, and Celeste Valerio led a group of six who were selected to the National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) All-Division III Team for the 2022 season, as it was announced on Friday (Jan. 6).

Bezzat (#1), Burke (#10), Gilbert (#4), and Valerio (#9) were each named to the First 15, with numbers related to a player's position on the field. Liz Cogan and Elizabeth Goodrich garnered honorable mention nods.

For seniors Bezzat and Burke, both were also First 15 honorees in 2021. Bezzat has now been recognized three times in as many competitive seasons by the NIRA coaches.

2022 NIRA Division III Team