NORTHFIELD, Vt. – For the first time in 16 years, the Norwich University women's soccer team has earned a place in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Semifinals, marking a significant milestone in the program's resurgence under fourth-year head coach Jared Cipriano. The Cadets will look to continue their postseason run on Tuesday, Nov. 3, traveling to face No. 2 seed Lasell University at 1:30 p.m. with a spot in the GNAC Championship game on the line.
Norwich (10-5-3, 6-5-2 GNAC) secured its place in the conference's final four with a dramatic quarterfinal victory over Emmanuel College on Saturday. After 110 minutes of scoreless soccer, the Cadets converted all three of their penalty kicks while keeping the Saints off the board to secure a 3-0 shootout victory. The result showcased the resilience and defensive determination that have helped Norwich reach this stage of the postseason for the first time since 2010.
At the center of the quarterfinal triumph was freshman goalkeeper Sophie Olivo (Sanford, Maine), who delivered one of the most impressive performances of the Cadets' season. Facing an Emmanuel attack that outshot Norwich 24-3 and put 12 attempts on target, Olivo turned aside all 12 shots on goal across regulation and overtime to preserve the scoreless draw. She continued to come through under pressure in the extra periods, including a crucial late save in the second overtime that sent the contest to penalty kicks.
Olivo's performance was a defining moment for a Norwich side that needed to withstand sustained pressure against one of the conference's top teams. Her composure between the woodworks gave the Cadets an opportunity to advance despite limited attacking chances, and the team responded when the match was decided from the penalty spot. Junior forward Colby Magoon (Loudon, N.H.) opened the shootout with a confident finish into the left corner, followed by junior midfielder Lily Briggs (Fair Haven, Vt.), who converted down the middle. Junior midfielder Emma Korrow (Northfield, Vt.) completed the perfect three-for-three effort, while Olivo and the Norwich defense kept Emmanuel from converting any of its attempts.
The defensive effort against Emmanuel continued a season in which Norwich has grown increasingly capable of grinding out results in difficult situations. That same determination will be essential against Lasell, a team that defeated the Cadets 3-0 when the programs met on Sept. 19.
In that September matchup, Norwich remained within striking distance through the opening half, with Olivo recording three saves as Lasell generated 11 shots. The hosts opened the scoring in the 31st minute, and the Cadets continued searching for an equalizer after halftime. Freshman forward Sophie Guarriello (Barre, Vt.) tested the Lasell defense with a pair of first-half attempts, while Briggs also created opportunities in the second half. Lasell added two goals after the break to secure the 3-0 result, despite a six-save performance from Olivo.
The circumstances have changed considerably since that meeting. Norwich has continued to build momentum through the latter stages of the regular season, earning a 6-0 road win over the University of Saint Joseph (Conn.) on Oct. 24 before defeating Colby-Sawyer College, 4-1, on Oct. 28 to clinch its postseason position. The Cadets then took down Emmanuel in the quarterfinals, demonstrating the defensive discipline necessary to advance in tournament play.
Offensively, Guarriello has emerged as one of Norwich's most dangerous scoring threats. The freshman forward reached double-digit goals during the regular season, including a pair in the Cadets' 4-1 victory over Colby-Sawyer. Her ability to create chances and finish in the attacking third has been central to Norwich's offensive production, and she will be a key player to watch as the Cadets look to generate more opportunities against Lasell than they did in the first meeting.
Magoon has also been a major contributor, entering the postseason with seven goals. She recorded a hat trick in Norwich's 6-0 victory over Saint Joseph's (Conn.) and scored twice in the team's 10-0 win over Mitchell College. Her ability to contribute both as a forward and from deeper midfield positions gives the Cadets another versatile attacking option. Her confident penalty conversion against Emmanuel further highlighted the composure she brings to high-pressure moments.
Briggs has provided another important presence in Norwich's attack and midfield. Along with her successful quarterfinal penalty, she has contributed goals throughout the season and offers the Cadets another option to create chances in the final third. Sophomore midfielder Heidi Smith (Sammamish, Wash.) has also played a key role in the team's offensive production as the glue in the midfield, providing five goals during the regular season and contributing assists to help Norwich generate scoring opportunities. Smith will prove to be essential in keeping possession ticking, and generating opportunities for goals.
While the attacking contributions have helped Norwich build a strong finish to the season, the team's postseason success also reflects the work of a defense that has repeatedly answered the call in important moments. Senior defender Beatrice Lake (Brookfield, Vt.) has been the presence along the back line. Lake's defensive prowess, combined with Olivo's shot-stopping ability, will be crucial against a Lasell side that found success in the September meeting.
The Cadets' return to the GNAC Semifinals also represents an important step in the transformation of the program under Cipriano, who is in his fourth season leading Norwich. The team's progress has been evident in its ability to compete with conference opponents, generate offense from multiple positions and respond to adversity. This year's postseason run is a testament to the collective growth of the roster, from Guarriello's emergence as a scoring threat to Olivo's impact in goal and the experienced leadership throughout the lineup.
Saturday's quarterfinal victory offered a clear example of that development. Against an Emmanuel team that finished unbeaten in conference play during the regular season, Norwich stayed organized through 110 minutes and then executed in the shootout when advancement was on the line. The Cadets' ability to withstand pressure and deliver in a decisive moment has put them within one win of the GNAC Championship game.
Now, Norwich will have an opportunity to measure its progress against Lasell with a place in the conference title game at stake. The Cadets will look to combine the defensive resilience they displayed against Emmanuel with a more productive attacking effort, seeking to turn their late-season momentum into another postseason victory.
