October 26, 2009

Frances Bajdik-Bova

Sue Magwood

Eryn Hessian

LENNOXVILLE – Three members of the Bishop's Gaiters Women's Rugby team were honoured by the Quebec University Rugby Union in its annual awards release. Fly half Sue Magwood (Lennoxville, Que.) was named a league All-Star at her position, while veteran centre Frances Bajdik-Bova (Ottawa, Ont.) was named the league's nominee for the CIS Community Service and Athletics award, and Head Coach Eryn Hessian was named league Coach of the Year for the second year in a row.

Magwood, a fifth-year Sociology major, led the Gaiters with 29 points this year. She scored three tries, four converts, a penalty goal and a drop goal in six games this season, as she led the Gaiters' back line. This is Magwood's second career All-Star nod, as she won the award in 2007.

Frances Bajdik-Bova, a fourth-year centre, was nominated for the CIS Community Service Award for her involvement both in the Lennoxville community and overseas. She is involved in numerous community groups at Bishop's and within Lennoxville, and has become involved in raising money for an orphanage in Uganda.

Hessian, who is completing her fourth season with the Gaiters, was honoured for the second year in a row. She led the Gaiters to a 2-4 record this year, the team's first wins since 2006, and a tie for fourth place in the six-team QURU. This year, the Gaiters posted their greatest offensive performance in six years, and have shown steady improvement. The former All-Canadian at StFX has managed this improvement while teaching at Stanstead College, 50 km away from Lennoxville, and without the benefit of an assistant coach during the season.

The Gaiters close out their season with a non-conference game against the Carleton Ravens on Saturday at Optimist Park. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. The full list of QURU All-Stars follows.

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2009 Quebec University Rugby Union Women's All-Stars

Player of the Year: Claudiane Renaud, Laval

Rookie of the Year: Hughanna Gaw, Concordia

Community Involvement: Frances Bajdik-Bova, Bishop's

Coach of the Year: Eryn Hessian, Bishop’s