NORTHFIELD, Vt. – Norwich University women's soccer earned a pair of Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) weekly honors following a pivotal week that saw the Cadets secure a postseason berth, advance through the conference quarterfinals, and punch their ticket to the semifinals for the first time in 16 years. Freshman goalkeeper Sophie Olivo (Sanford, Maine) was named GNAC Goalkeeper of the Week, while freshman forward Sophie Guarriello (Barre, Vt.) earned Rookie of the Week recognition.
Olivo delivered another standout performance between the posts, playing a key role in Norwich's late-season push. In the Cadets' 4-1 victory over Colby-Sawyer College, the freshman recorded five saves as Norwich secured the No. 6 seed in the GNAC Tournament. Her composed performance helped Norwich close out a crucial conference victory and carry momentum into the postseason.
The freshman goalkeeper continued to shine when the stakes were even higher in the GNAC quarterfinals against Emmanuel College. With a semifinal berth on the line, Olivo and the Norwich defense held the Saints scoreless through regulation and two overtime periods, forcing a penalty shootout. Olivo helped anchor the defensive effort as the Cadets completed a 3-0 shootout victory to advance to the conference semifinals for the first time since 2010.
The recognition marks another milestone in Olivo's impressive debut season, as she has provided consistency and confidence in goal while helping Norwich make a significant postseason run.
Guarriello also enjoyed a breakthrough week, earning her first GNAC Rookie of the Week honor after delivering a two-goal performance in Norwich's 4-1 win over Colby-Sawyer. The freshman forward opened the scoring in the first half before adding her second goal after halftime, showcasing the attacking instincts and individual skill that have made her one of the Cadets' most dangerous offensive threats.
Her second goal was a highlight-reel effort, as Guarriello collected the ball approximately 45 yards from goal and embarked on a determined solo run down the field. Beating multiple Colby-Sawyer defenders along the way, she created her own opportunity before calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net to complete the brace.
Guarriello's performance further cemented her status as Norwich's leading offensive contributor. With 10 goals and four assists, she has established herself as the team's statistical leader while consistently providing a spark in the attacking third. Her ability to create scoring opportunities individually and finish chances has been instrumental in the Cadets' success throughout the season.
Together, Olivo and Guarriello represent two major pieces of Norwich's postseason push. Olivo's defensive reliability has helped the Cadets remain competitive in high-pressure moments, while Guarriello's attacking production has supplied the goals needed to secure important victories.
With a spot in the GNAC semifinals secured, Norwich will look to continue its historic postseason run as the Cadets pursue a conference championship.
