NEWPORT, R.I. - The Norwich football team cemented itself as a defensive stalwart in their season opener, but fell just short on the road against perennial powerhouse Salve Regina University, 7-0, in non-conference action Saturday afternoon on Toppa Field.

Both teams held each other in check for the opening two quarters, with the Cadets nearly getting on the board halfway through the first stanza with a drive that resulted in three-straight possessions on the Seahawks' 28-yard line. Riley Geyer (Augusta, Maine) almost capitalized on the first, with a pinpoint pass to Trevor Chase (Eliot, Maine) in the endzone that was just inches out of reach of the wide receiver.

Salve Regina finally struck in the third quarter with a seven-yard pass from Jack Maguire that caught a diving John Hannon. Norwich almost countered in the closing minutes of the contest, but Mitchell Theal (Elma, N.Y.) was unable to find an opening in the Seahawks' stout defensive in back-to-back throws into the endzone as the clock sounded on the Cadets' final drive.

Norwich stood firm against the Seahawks on their home field, being led offensively by Nate Parady (Saint Albans, Vt.), who averaged four yards a carry on eight rushes for 33 yards. Chase registered 60 receiving yards on eight yards per carry. Theal finished 5-for-14 on passing for 70 yards, while Geyer was 7-17 passing for 27 yards.

Matthew Christe (Brookfield, Conn.) spearheaded the Norwich defensive effort with 10 total tackles. Senior Patrick Keefe (Andover, Mass.) trailed with seven tackles, while classmate Joseph Bornes (Sharpsville, Pa.) logged an interception in the second quarter.

Maguire tallied 152 yards on 21-31 passing for Salve Regina, with Evan Laroche rushing for 47 yards on 11 attempts.

Norwich fell to 1-3 all-time against Salve Regina. The Seahawks topped the Cadets last season in Northfield, 38-0, in both team's season opener.

The Cadets will return home for their first of back-to-back home games, prepping first for the annual Battle for the Hoffman Cup game with St. Lawrence next Saturday, Sept. 10, at 12 p.m. Norwich will follow that up with a Homecoming showdown against Castleton on Sept. 17 for the Battle of the Maple Sap Bucket.