Kelter’s scoring helps USA to Challenger Trophy win in Japan

Eagle River’s Alev Kelter came up clutch in the closing moments of the Challenger Trophy match to help the USA women’s Eagles outlast Ireland 24-19 in overtime at a World Rugby Sevens Series stop in Japan.

Her 5-point try in the closing moments looked to be the winning margin as the Americans took a 19-14 lead, but Ireland scored on the final play of regulation to tie the match and force extra time.

Kelter, of Chugiak High fame, finished the match with seven points on a 5-point try and 2-point conversion.

The win was the third straight in the tournament for the Eagles after an 0-2 start.

Kelter proved to be a difference maker for Team USA as it went 0-2 when she didn’t score and 3-0 when she did.

The former University of Wisconsin soccer and hockey star was responsible for 28 percent of her team’s offensive production in those victories, scoring 29 of the 103 points.

Her best outing of the tournament came against Japan when she produced 13 points in a 45-7 win. Kelter scored the team’s second and fifth tries.