NORTHFIELD, Vt. - The Norwich University women's rugby team celebrated Senior Day under the lights on Friday evening, hosting the United States Coast Guard Academy on Sabine Field in front of a spirited crowd.  Despite a fast start and early lead, the Cadets were unable to hold off a strong second-half surge by the Bears, falling by a 48-17 final.

All three of Norwich's tries came in the opening half, as the Cadets controlled early momentum with cohesive ball movement and determined offensive runs.  Senior Octavia Crawford (Shelburne Falls, Mass.) opened the scoring in the 19th minute, diving across the try line in a physical defensive sequence that saw the Cadets press deep into Coast Guard territory.  The visitors responded swiftly with an unconverted try of their own to even the score at 5-5.

Just minutes later, senior Carlyan Vigbedor (Centreville, Va.) capitalized on a hard-earned run down the edge, stretching to the corner of the try zone for Norwich's second score.  Again, the Bears responded to knot the game at 10-10.

Norwich found the try zone one final time in the closing seconds of the half, as senior Alyssa Gioia (Stamford, Conn.) broke through the line and powered through traffic to give the Cadets a 15-10 edge.  Crawford converted the kick to extend the lead to 17-10 heading into halftime.

The second half told a different story, as Coast Guard mounted a dominant comeback, scoring 38 unanswered points.  Despite continued defensive efforts and several promising possessions by Norwich, the Cadets were unable to find a fourth try.

Norwich earned the edge in scrums, finishing with an 10-8 advantage, and secured a lineout win in the match.

Prior to kickoff, the program recognized its 10-member senior class in a pregame ceremony on the field.  The Class of 2025, including Maddy Carbonneau (Littleton, N.H.), Lupe Chavez Linares (Yonkers, N.Y.), Octavia Crawford, Brooke Dembkoski (Salem, N.H.), Lillie Ells (Centerville, Mass.), Alyssa Gioia, Lilian Lu (Tucson, Ariz.), Monae Mangual (Sunnyvale, Calif.), Siobhan O'Donnell (Queens, N.Y.), and Ava Smith (North Falmouth, Mass.).

Senior Ava Smith delivered a stirring rendition of the National Anthem moments before kickoff, adding a heartfelt touch to an emotional night for the program.

Norwich will return to the Graveyard Pitch on Saturday, Oct. 18, for its final home match of the fall, hosting the University of Maine at 2:00 p.m. as part of the program's annual Tackle Cancer Game.