AMHERST, Mass. - Beautiful blue skies and perfect weather saw the Norwich University women's rugby team beat Amherst College, 24-6, in the New England Rugby Football Union season opener for both schools.

Norwich (5-3-1, 1-0-0 NERFU) found itself on its heels early and needed to tighten up play to produce some constrcutive and continuous attack. Senior center Clarissa Wynn opened scoring at the 14-minute mark, earning her team-leading fourth try of the season. After getting on the scoreboard, the Cadets seemed to rediscover their game and at the 22-minute mark, senior lock Molly Patterson crashed in for the first try of her career. After two successful conversions from junior fullback Elise Fournier, and one last minute penalty kick from Amherst, the half ended with NU in front 14-3.

The second half started like the first half, with conservative play from both sides. Norwich sophomore flanker Hannah Bushey scored from a rolling maul at the 54th minute mark to give the Cadets a 19-3 lead. Amherst retaliated with a penalty kick to pull to within 19-6, but Norwich put the game away in the 68th minute when junior wing Unna Lee broke free and scored the final try of the match.

"Today's challenge was to make mental adjustments as the game developed," said NU head coach Austin Hall. "We played a very physical battle with a tough Amherst team and managed to come out on top. I am pleased with the way our squad performed this afternoon."

Norwich returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 26, when the Cadets host Bentley at 11 a.m.