WEST HARTFORD, Conn. - The Norwich women's soccer team kicked off Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) action on Wednesday night, securing a 1-1 draw against the hosts University of Saint Joseph Blue Jays at the USJ Soccer Field.

Despite a lopsided 24-6 edge in shots for the game that favored the Blue Jays, the Cadets stood firm against a barrage of 12 first-half shots.  Just one got past Rebecca Karis (Fayetteville, N.C.), off a set-piece in the 41st minute courtesy of Kelsi Ursini, who used a flying-knee to redirect a pass from Jenna Zup into the bottom-left corner of the goal.

Norwich's offense would enjoy greater success in the second half, knotting things up on a free-kick opportunity from Jillian Patria (Rindge, N.H.) in the 57th minute. Patria's spot-on kick from 22 yards out whizzed over the head and outstretched the hands of USJ's goalkeeper Chandler Douglas and into the back of the net.

Neither team could subsequently find an opening behind their respective goalies, with Douglas logging two saves while Karis turned away 10 of 11 shots on goal.

The Cadets will now turn their attention to Homecoming Weekend at Norwich, serving as the first team to get the festivities underway with a 4 p.m. showdown on Friday, Sept. 16, against GNAC foe Regis (Mass.) on Sabine Field.

(Large portion of this recap courtesy of USJ Athletic Communications.)