NORTHFIELD, Vt. - Playing in their first cold rain of the season, the muddied Cadets battled Bates College on Saturday and earned a 26-5 victory. Playing conditions aside, the match was outstanding with both teams launching numerous scoring attacks. Those brave fans and students who attended greatly enjoyed the afternoon.

Sophomore wing Clarissa Wynn (New London, Conn.) opened scoring for the "Wick" after 15 minutes of deadlock. Her try came on a solo counter attack effort after catching a high kick from the Bates flyhalf.  Wynn used her strength to fend off the first tackler and her speed to turn the corner on the rest.  She converted her own try and the "Wick" led 7-0.

Bates came back from the try with a strong desire to score. They gained possession of the ball inside the Norwich 22-meter line and attacked the try zone multiple times. Once, they succeeded in driving a maul over the line, but it was held up by the patient Norwich defense.

After calmly handling multiple blows, Norwich was back on the attack. Junior wing Ashley de Grasse (Colchester, Vt.) scored the second try of the match after being set up by some exceptional work from her teammates. De Grasse used her speed and elusiveness to finalize. Wynn converted and the half ended 14-0.

The third try came about 10 minutes into the second half. This try was the "Try of the Season" to date. It was a simple two phase scripted option that involved every single player. Senior fullback Sybil Taunton (Brentwood, Calif.) worked her way to the try zone after a beautiful set up from her teammates. The ensuing conversion was missed.

With the score 19-0, Bates came back and earned an unconverted try of their own. This was soon followed by another team try from Norwich. After multiple phases of forward attack in the Bates half of the field, junior scrumhalf Angela Lakey (Houston, Texas) pierced the final line of defense for a diving touchdown to seal the victory. Wynn converted to end the match 26-5.

"That is how we play rugby," said NU head coach Austin Hall.  "Every player, both on the field and off, contributed to this team effort today. Three of the four tries were the best team tries we've had all year. Wynn jumpstarted the scoring, as she has done a couple times this year, and the team took it from there. From one through 15 we played with heart and from 16 through 30 we supplied critical support. Thank you to all of you who attended the match!"

With the victory, Norwich (11-0-0) advances to the New England Rugby Football Union Final Four, held at Bowdoin College on November 3 and 4. 

Norwich will face Williams College (7-2-0) in one semifinal at 12 p.m. At 2 p.m., New Hampshire (6-0-0 NERFU) will play Connecticut (4-3-2) in the other semifinal match. The winners and losers of these matches will play again on Sunday for an opportunity to represent New England in the Northeast Final Four the following weekend.