NORTHFIELD, Vt. – The Norwich University women's soccer team earned a 4-1 victory over Colby-Sawyer College in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) action Wednesday evening at Sabine Field, using a three-goal first half and a second-half tally to secure the win.
The Cadets established their attacking rhythm early, creating pressure in the attacking third and testing the Colby-Sawyer defense. Norwich broke through in the 14th minute when Sophie Guarriello (Barre, Vt.) found the back of the net off a beautiful through ball assist from Heidi Smith (Sammamish, Wash.), giving the Cadets a 1-0 advantage.
Norwich continued to build momentum and doubled its lead in the 26th minute. Maddy Perry (Fair Haven, Vt.) scored her first goal of the season after receiving a setup in the middle of the bark splitting the entire Chargers midfield from Colby Magoon (Loudon, N.H.), putting the Cadets in control at 2-0.
The Norwich attack struck again late in the opening half. In the 35th minute, Smith scored her fifth goal of the season off an assist from Emma Zielezienski (Springfield, Va.), extending the Cadets' advantage to 3-0 heading into halftime. Smith's goal was an incredible strike from 30 yards out that found the top of the net with no chance the Chargers keeepr would save it. Norwich controlled much of the opening half, outshooting Colby-Sawyer 12-2 and earning three corners.
The Cadets carried that momentum into the second half, adding another goal in the 52nd minute. Guarriello recorded her second goal of the contest off a solo run, danicng through CHargers defenders for the finish, pushing Norwich's lead to 4-0 and giving the home side additional breathing room.
Colby-Sawyer responded less than a minute later, scoring in the 53rd minute to put the visitors on the board. Norwich remained composed defensively for the remainder of the contest, limiting the Chargers' opportunities as the Cadets closed out the conference victory.
Norwich finished with a 21-8 advantage in shots and put 13 attempts on target. The Cadets also earned five corner kicks compared to four for Colby-Sawyer. In goal, Sophie Olivo (Sanford, Maine) played all 90 minutes for Norwich, making five saves.
With the win, Norwich improved to 10-5-2 overall and 6-5-2 in GNAC play, clinching the 6 seed in this year's GNAC playoffs.
