HENNIKER, N.H. - The Norwich University women's lacrosse team delivered another dominant performance on both ends of the field, powering past New England College, 16-5, in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) North Division matchup on Wednesday afternoon at Don Melander Field.

The victory marks the Cadets' seventh consecutive win as they remain unbeaten in conference play at 5-0 while improving to 9-1 overall.  Norwich also extends its winning streak over the Pilgrims to five straight meetings, dating back to 2021.

Caitlyn Fielder (East Calais, Vt.) led the offensive surge with a game-high five goals, while Quinn Mustone (Medford, Mass.), Ellie Moriarty (Stowe, Vt.), and Breanna Ricker (Laconia, N.H.) each recorded hat tricks.  Vivian Buntin (Middlebury, Conn.) and Caitlin Slider (Thetford Center, Vt.) also found the back of the net to round out the scoring.  Sophie Zemianek (St. Albans, Vt.) dished out a team-best two assists, with Moriarty and Buntin also contributing to the playmaking effort.

Norwich wasted no time setting the tone, netting three straight goals in the opening minutes to establish early control.  Mustone broke the ice with the game's first goal before Ricker and Moriarty followed up to extend the Cadets' lead to 3-0.  New England College responded with a lone tally before the end of the first quarter, but the Cadets quickly regained momentum in the second frame.  Moriarty struck again, finishing a feed from Buntin, before Fielder and Mustone added back-to-back goals from Zemianek helpers to push the lead to 6-1 at halftime.

After a Buntin score to kick off the new half, the Pilgrims attempted to climb back into the contest with three quick goals early in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 7-4.  However, Norwich answered emphatically, as Ricker ignited a scoring run with a solo effort before Fielder tacked on another goal to halt the Pilgrims' momentum.  After New England College snuck in one final goal, the Cadets put the game out of reach, dominating the final quarter with seven unanswered goals.  Mustone and Fielder each converted on free-position shots, while Moriarty and Ricker added to the offensive onslaught.  Slider capped off the scoring with her sixth goal of the season, sealing the commanding victory.

Defensively, Norwich stifled New England College's attack, causing nine turnovers and limiting the Pilgrims to just 10 ground balls.  Julia Proto (Orange, Conn.) led the defensive charge with a game-high five ground balls and three caused turnovers, while Sarah Moshrefi (Leesburg, Va.) chipped in four ground balls.  The Cadets also controlled possession throughout the contest, winning 17 of 25 draw controls, with Ricker leading the way with six, followed by Fielder with five and Mustone with four.

Goalkeeper Bailey Manning-Ingala (West Hartford, Conn.) turned in another standout performance between the pipes, securing her seventh win of the season, tied for the third-most in a single season in program history.  Manning-Ingala made eight saves across a full 60 minutes of action, holding the Pilgrims' offense in check.

Norwich dominated in nearly every statistical category, outshooting New England College, 51-22, while holding a 27-10 edge in ground balls.  The Cadets also executed at an elite level in transition, going 17-for-18 on clear attempts while limiting the Pilgrims to a 14-of-27 mark.

With their unbeaten conference record still intact, the Cadets will look to keep their momentum rolling when they return home to host Elms College on Saturday, Apr. 5, at 1:00 p.m.  Norwich will then travel to Colby-Sawyer College on Tuesday, Apr. 8, for a crucial GNAC road test at 4:45 p.m.