Kelter shines in bronze-medal loss at Women’s Rugby World Cup

Eagle River’s Alev Kelter led Team USA in scoring and showed off impressive wheels during a 31-23 loss to France in the third-place game at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland.

The starting center collected 13 points, 8 tackles and 13 passes in 80 minutes.

She also gained 105 meters with the ball, including a 40-yard run in the closing minutes that provided the final points for the Americans.

Kelter, of Chugiak High fame, is a bruising player using in the middle of the scum.

On this play, however, she picked up a loose ball and galloped down the sideline before passing to teammate Cheta Emba at the goal line for an easy try.

Kelter could have kept the ball and probably scored; but with a defender hot on her heels, she opted to hook up her teammate for an uncontested score.

Kelter finished fifth in the World Cup with 32 points.