Box Score 

NORTHFIELD, Vt. - Leanne Waterman scored off a cross from Nikki Szczepanski midway through the first overtime to lift the Norwich University women's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Emmanuel in the GNAC Tournament championship game Saturday afternoon at Howard Field.

It marked the first GNAC Tournament championship for the Cadets, who advance to the NCAA Championship for the first time in program history. It was a struggle for NU throughout the conference tournament, as each of the Cadets' three games went into overtime.

Norwich (15-4-2) opened the scoring late in the first half as Becky Scully headed a cross from Meghan Hoskins into the Emmanuel goal at the 42:12 mark. The Cadets' 1-0 lead held up until the 68th minute when Emmanuel's Amber Di Nucci scored off a rebound.

On Di Nucci's goal, Norwich starting goalkeeper Nicki Hunsicker was injured, and had to leave the game with an injury.

Emmanuel (13-8-0) seemed to get the better of play throughout the remainder of regulation, but the Saints could not get anything past NU goalkeeper Alecia Wright, who came on and played admirably for the injured Hunsicker.

The game remained deadlocked at 1-1 until the 96th minute when Szczepanski took the ball and dribbled down the right sideline and sent a beautiful cross in front of the net. Then, in the midst of a mass of humanity, which had congregated in front of the Emmanuel net, Waterman somehow got a foot on the ball to send the Cadets to the victory.

The Norwich sideline erupted, as every player, coach and manager rushed the field to mob Waterman and the rest of the Cadets.

For the game, Emmanuel outshot Norwich, 34-9. The Cadets held a 7-4 edge in corner kicks. Hunsicker made eight saves for NU, while Wright made three stops in relief.

Norwich sophomore midfielder Sarah Reuschel, who played unbelievable defense throughout the tournament, was named the event's Most Valuable Player. Hunsicker, Wright and Scully were each named to the All-Tournament Team.

Norwich's opponent in the NCAA Championship will be determined on Monday, when the official brackets are announced.

"We're the GNAC champions, and there's not a whole lot else I can say," said Norwich head coach Tyler Renaud. "I am extremely proud of the way this group hung together today, even after we lost Nicki. We are thrilled to be GNAC champs, and we're looking forward to playing in the NCAAs."