NORWICH WOMEN’S LACROSSE MAKES HISTORY WITH 11-GAME WIN STREAK AND CRUCIAL DEFENSE
NORTHFIELD, Vt. – In a highly anticipated Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) North Division showdown, the Norwich University women’s lacrosse team authored a thrilling 11-10 victory over Saint Joseph’s College of Maine on Wednesday evening at Sabine Field. The win, which came in front of a raucous home crowd, marked the Cadets’ first over the Monks since 2013, snapping a 15-game losing streak in the series.
A Balanced Attack and Stifling Defense
The victory, Norwich’s 13th of the season against just one defeat, was built on a balanced offensive effort and a dominant defensive performance. Sophomore sensation Caitlyn Fielder paced the Cadets with a hat trick, while Sophie Zemianek, Neris Archambault, and Breanna Ricker each netted a pair of goals. Julia Gutke and Athena Merck also got on the scoresheet in a commanding offensive display.
On the defensive end, the Cadets forced a remarkable 20 caused turnovers, led by six from Sarah Moshrefi. Celine Juneau chipped in with three, as Norwich controlled the ground game, outpacing the Monks 25-18 in ground balls. In goal, Bailey Manning-Ingala continued her stellar season with a 12-save performance, improving to 9-1 on the year.
A Comeback for the Ages
The game got off to a pulsating start, with Fielder netting the opener just 32 seconds in. However, the Monks responded with back-to-back extra-man goals to take an early lead. Archambault’s crucial tally in the final seconds of the opening frame knotted the game at 2-2, but it was the visitors who held a narrow 5-4 edge at halftime.
Norwich تصل to a 7-6 lead early in the third quarter, but the Monks surged ahead with three straight goals to take a 9-7 advantage. With under five minutes remaining in the third, the Cadets launched an exhilarating comeback. Archambault cut the deficit to one, before Fielder leveled the score and Gutke’s finish put Norwich back in front, 10-9.
Ricker’s vital goal early in the fourth quarter proved decisive, as the Cadet defense, led by Manning-Ingala’s two clutch saves, held firm to secure the win. The triumph not only ended the long losing streak but also kept Norwich’s perfect GNAC record intact at 9-0 (5-0 North Division).
Looking Ahead: Rivier University
The victory also secured the Cadets a spot in the upcoming GNAC Tournament, with Play-In Games scheduled for Apr. 24 and Quarterfinalsfollowing on Apr. 26. Norwich will next face Rivier University on the road on Saturday, Apr. 19, before closing the regular season at home against Emmanuel College on Tuesday, Apr. 22, in a crucial divisional clash.
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<h1>Norwich Women's Lacrosse Makes History With 11-Game Win Streak and Crucial Defense</h1>
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<h2>Did you know?</h2>
<p>The Cadets' 13 wins mark the second-highest total in program history, trailing only the 14-win campaign in 2012.</p>
<h2>Pro Tip</h2>
<p>To stay updated on the Cadets' journey to the GNAC Championship, follow <a href="https://twitter.com/NUCadetsWLAX">@NUCadetsWLAX</a> on Twitter!</p>
<h2>Join the Conversation</h2>
<p>What do you think about the Cadets' dominant defensive performance? Share your thoughts in the comments!</p>
<h2>Up Next</h2>
<a href="https://norwichathletics.com/sports/womens-lacrosse/ schedule/rivier-university/2025/04/19">
<img src="https://norwichathletics.com/images/logos/rivier.png" alt="Rivier University logo" width="50" height="50">
Next Game: at Rivier University <span>Apr. 19 | 3:00 PM</span>
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