NORTHFIELD, VT. – Following a dominant run through the fall season and a convincing Northeast Conference championship victory, the Norwich University women's rugby team is preparing to take its game to the national stage this weekend, traveling to Canton, Mass., for the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) Division II Sweet 16 Regional Playoffs.

The Cadets will open regional competition Friday, Nov. 13, at 4:30 p.m. against the United States Coast Guard Academy at the Irish Cultural Center. With a spot in the Elite Eight on the line, Norwich enters the weekend carrying the momentum of a championship performance and the confidence of a veteran group that has continued to establish itself as one of the region's strongest programs.

Norwich's postseason opportunity comes after a season defined by depth, offensive production, and the ability to deliver in important moments. The Cadets have demonstrated an ability to generate scoring opportunities from across the pitch, while contributions from both experienced upperclassmen and emerging players have helped create a balanced attack capable of putting pressure on opposing defenses.

The team's progress was evident early in its conference campaign, when Norwich opened Rugby Northeast play with a 29-19 road victory over the University of Maine-Orono on Sept. 13. Despite having several upperclassmen unavailable for the matchup, the Cadets received an important response from their younger players, who stepped into expanded roles and helped secure the conference-opening result.

Norwich crossed the try line five times in the victory, with Gabrielle Virtue (Cumberland, R.I.), Shenale Hadunnetthi Rannuluge (Flushing, N.Y.), Leslie Malin (Brooklyn, N.Y.), and Carlyan Vigbedor (Centreville, Va.) accounting for the scoring. Vigbedor found the try zone twice, while Morgan Zelenak (Grove City, Ohio) and Virtue each added a successful conversion. The performance showcased the depth of the roster and the Cadets' ability to maintain their attacking identity even when personnel changed.

Head coach Baylee Annis praised the younger group following the win, emphasizing the importance of players embracing additional responsibility. That early-season performance would prove to be an important foundation as Norwich continued to build chemistry and develop its identity throughout the fall.

As the season progressed, the Cadets' attacking production continued to grow. Norwich delivered one of its most impressive offensive performances of the year on Oct. 17, rolling past Colby College, 67-7, behind a five-try effort from sophomore fullback Morgan Zelenak (Grove City, Ohio). Zelenak finished with 29 points, crossing the try line five times and adding two conversions to lead the way.

The Cadets received scoring contributions throughout the lineup, with Kelli Crawford (Fishers, Ind.) adding two tries, while Gabrielle Virtue (Cumberland, R.I.) contributed a try and two successful conversions. Senior Kyleigh Beeby (Oklahoma City, Okla.), freshman Jocelyn Keating (Weymouth, Mass.), and senior Taina Negron (Melbourne, Fla.)also found the try zone, while graduate student Carlyan Vigbedor (Centreville, Va.) added two conversions.

The 67-point showing highlighted the range of Norwich's offensive attack. With Zelenak providing a consistent scoring threat, the Cadets also demonstrated their ability to create opportunities through multiple players and finish attacking sequences from different areas of the pitch.

That offensive momentum carried directly into the team's conference championship matchup against Roger Williams University on Oct. 31. With the Rugby Northeast title on the line, Norwich turned in one of its strongest performances of the season, defeating the Hawks, 55-19, at Dog River Pitch to claim the conference championship and secure its place in the national postseason.

Zelenak once again led the way, producing a remarkable five-try performance to power the Cadets' attack. The sophomore fullback continued to establish herself as one of Norwich's most dangerous offensive weapons, finding space and finishing opportunities throughout the contest. Negron added two tries, while senior flyhalf Madeline Ortiz (Lancaster, Calif.)and senior eight-person Kyleigh Beeby (Oklahoma City, Okla.) each crossed the try line once. Virtue contributed five successful conversions as Norwich built its commanding 36-point margin.

Beyond the scoring output, the championship performance reflected the experience and cohesion that have become defining characteristics of the Cadets. Norwich combined strong ball movement with effective execution and consistent pressure, creating opportunities across the pitch while limiting Roger Williams' ability to dictate the flow of the match.

The senior class played a particularly important role in setting the tone, bringing composure and confidence to a group that has continued to develop throughout the season. Ortiz's breakaway try and Beeby's powerful charge through the Roger Williams defense were among the defining moments of the championship victory, providing a fitting example of the impact the team's veteran leaders have had on its success.

Annis credited the team's preparation and execution following the championship performance, noting the significance of the senior group's leadership and the work that has gone into preparing for the postseason.

"We have been working all season for this match up. The team outdid themselves this weekend against a powerhouse program. We were firing on all cylinders and I must applaud our seniors for the cohesion and confidence they brought to the pitch. Senior flyhalf Maddy Ortiz's breakaway try and senior 8 Kyleigh Beeby's charging dive through Roger Williams' defense were ones to remember. We are well positioned for post-season with regional playoffs coming up over November 13-15, 2026."

With the conference championship secured, Norwich now turns its attention toward a different challenge. The Sweet 16 Regional Playoffs will bring together programs competing for a place in the NCR Division II National Championship field, with the Cadets looking to translate their conference success into another postseason run.

The opening matchup against Coast Guard is scheduled for Friday at 4:30 p.m. A Norwich victory would advance the Cadets into the Elite Eight, with their second match scheduled for Sunday at noon. Should the Cadets fall in Friday's contest, they will return to the pitch Saturday at noon for their second tournament matchup. Regardless of Friday's result, Norwich is guaranteed another opportunity to compete over the weekend as it continues its postseason campaign.

The stakes extend beyond the regional round. Two victories over the weekend would secure Norwich a place in the Final Four of the NCR National Championship, scheduled for Dec. 3-5 in Texas. With a national championship opportunity within reach, the Cadets will look to carry the same execution, physicality, and team-first approach that fueled their conference title into the regional tournament.

For Annis, the team's approach heading into the weekend will center on winning the physical battles while allowing the Cadets' attacking talent to take over.

"After a dominant conference championship match, we are really looking forward to regional playoffs. We're going in with a simple game plan to dominate the point of contact and deploy dynamic attack with support. This year's roster is posed to have a strong showing and a powerful senior class who has a lot left in their legacy.

"Special thanks to our volunteer assistant coach Bob Weggler and new arrival Strength & Conditioning Coach Jake Parker who have helped prepare the team for this weekend through the season on and off the pitch. The coaching support has been massive this year and the team's performance is really showing that effort.

"We are really looking forward to having Norwich support with a regional match close to home. Come out this weekend to support Norwich Rugby on the national stage!"

The regional tournament also provides an opportunity for the Norwich community to support the Cadets in a postseason setting relatively close to Northfield. All matches will be played at the Irish Cultural Center, located at 200 New Boston Drive in Canton, Mass. Norwich's contest against Coast Guard will take place on Grass Field C, with the facility's indoor building open to spectators and indoor restrooms available.

Following a season of growth, a high-powered offensive showing, and a conference championship earned through a complete team effort, the Cadets now have their sights set on a bigger stage. With a veteran senior class helping lead the way and a roster that has shown its depth throughout the fall, Norwich heads to Canton with an opportunity to take another step toward a national championship.

Match Information

• Opponent: United States Coast Guard Academy

• Round: NCR Division II Sweet 16 Regional Playoffs

• Date: Friday, Nov. 13

• Time: 4:30 p.m.

• Location: Irish Cultural Center – Grass Field C

• Address: 200 New Boston Drive, Canton, Mass. 02021

Tournament Schedule

• Friday: Sweet 16 matchup vs. Coast Guard at 4:30 p.m.

• Saturday: Second match at noon if Norwich loses Friday.

• Sunday: Elite Eight matchup at noon if Norwich wins Friday.

• National Championship: Dec. 3-5 in Texas. Two weekend victories secure a place in the Final Four.