BRUNSWICK, Maine - The Norwich University women's rugby team concluded its 2023 15's season in the NIRA Semifinals on Saturday, falling to undefeated Bowdoin College, 61-7.

The Cadets' defense was sturdy to open the afternoon, despite allowing an early Polar Bear try, keeping Bowdoin scoreless for the ensuing 18-plus minutes of action.

After the Polar Bears gained some momentum late in the opening stanza, Norwich struck back in the early goings of the second half.  Mila Nyameyke threaded the needle through Bowdoin's defense for several gained meters, setting up Alyssa Gioia for a try to put the Cadets on the board.  Joey Abrantes finished the sequence with a successful kick.

Norwich played a full game comprised of strong counterattacks and aggression, but the Polar Bears sealed the deal, cracking through the Cadets' defense en route to victory.

Of note, Kim Lopez-Cruz made her debut and made a great impact in the front row and rucks.  Octavia Crawford also made significant meter gains and was a consistent strike runner in the tilt.  Nyameyke was an impact player who had several break away runs, including the one that paved the way for Norwich's first points.

The Cadets finished as one of just a few teams to score a try against the undefeated Polar Bears.

The women's rugby team will now look ahead to the 7's season in the spring.