SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - The Norwich University women's rugby team closed its 2025 15s campaign on a high note on Sunday afternoon, powering past nationally-ranked University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), 34-19, in the West Regional Third-Place Game at the Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC) Women's Division II 15s National Tournament.
The Cadets jumped out to an early lead and never trailed, controlling the pace of play throughout the contest while showcasing their depth and attacking creativity. The win marked a strong response less than 24 hours after Saturday's opening-round loss to top-seeded Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and secured a 4-4 overall finish for the fall season.
Junior No. 8
Carlyan Vigbedor (Centreville, Va.) led the Norwich offense with two tries for a team-high 10 points, capping a standout weekend in Springfield where she finished as one of the tournament's overall leading scorers with 15 points throughout the opening weekend. Four other Cadets crossed the try line in a balanced scoring effort, including
Leslie Malin (Brooklyn, N.Y.),
Lillie Ells (Centerville, Mass.),
Monae Mangual (Sunnyvale, Calif.), and
Taina Negron (Melbourne, Fla).
Gabrielle Souther (Weare, N.H.) and senior captain
Octavia Crawford (Shelburne Falls, Mass.) each added successful conversion kicks to round out the 34-point total.
UTSA entered the weekend ranked No. 8 in the latest NCR Women's Division II Top 20 Coaches Poll and had fallen to Winona State in Saturday's opening round. The Roadrunners found moments of momentum in Sunday's contest, but Norwich's physicality, set-piece execution, and attacking precision proved too much to overcome.
Wisconsin-Eau Claire proved victorious in the West Region, defeating Winona State, 41-19, to advance to the National Semifinals.
The Cadets wrap up their 15s schedule with a .500 record and a return to the national stage, continuing a decade-long run of postseason appearances that includes top-three national finishes in both ACRA and NIRA competition, as well as consistent placements in 7s and 15s national tournaments.
