ORONO, Maine - The Norwich University men's rugby team picked up another road victory in 15s competition on Saturday afternoon, grinding out a hard-fought 33-5 win over the University of Maine.

With the result, the Cadets notch back-to-back 15s victories over the Black Bears, following a 48-7 triumph in Northfield during the 2024 campaign.

Norwich came out of the gate with strong possession and field control throughout the opening half, consistently pinning Maine inside its own territory.  Senior Jake Peterson (Trumbull, Conn.) sparked the Cadets' scoring effort with a convert try, with freshman Aeden Kerr (Hillside, N.J.) providing the conversion.

The Cadets broke the match open during a 10-minute surge midway through the half.  Senior captain Doran Schwartz (Akron, Pa.) powered through for his first try of the season, followed by another converted effort from senior Jeff Pappalardo (Boxford, Mass.).  Kerr continued to shine, converting both tries before adding a converted score of his own to push the Cadets ahead, 28-0.

Maine capitalized on a late sequence before halftime to get on the board with an unconverted try, narrowing the margin to 28-5 heading into the break.

The second half unfolded as a defensive tug-of-war, with both sides trading possession and battling in the trenches.  Neither team was able to string together significant momentum early, as territory was contested at every ruck and scrum.

Freshman Hyan Mesa (Talofofo, Guam) eventually broke the stalemate in the closing minutes, punching in an unconverted try to seal the match at 33-5.

The Cadets will return to action next week, suiting up at Dartmouth College for a Development 15s match on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 5:00 p.m.  Norwich then hosts the University of Massachusetts Lowell on Sabine Field on Saturday, Oct. 25, for Senior Day at 1:00 p.m.