NORTHFIELD, Vt.- The Norwich Women's Ice Hockey team punched its ticket to the NCAA Division III Final Four for the first time since 2018, defeating Hamline 1–0 in a thrilling NCAA Quarterfinal Saturday afternoon at Kreitzberg Arena.

Behind a record-setting performance from Madison Brunet (Timmins, Ont.) and an early goal from Anna Lisac (Euclid, Ohio), the Cadets defended home ice in front of a raucous crowd to earn their national semifinal berth.

"First off, credit to Hamline on an unbelievable season," said Head Coach Justin Simpson. "They had one of the toughest schedules in the country and gave us a run for our money. We got that early goal in the first, Maddie played outstanding, and our penalty kill went 3-for-3. Closing that game out five-on-six late shows a lot about this group. Defensively, we were very strong, and it was nice to see Anna get that early goal."

Lisac wasted no time setting the tone, scoring a minute into the contest. As Hamline attempted to clear the zone under early pressure, Livia Brooks (Walpole, Mass.) intercepted the puck along the left half wall and sent it back to Jordan Brady (Green Bay, Wis.) at the right point. Brady's shot deflected off Lisac, who was stationed at the top of the crease, and found the back of the net on Norwich's first shot of the game to give the Cadets a 1–0 lead.

The goal also marked a milestone moment for Brooks, who became the 14th player in program history to reach the 100-career point mark with the assist.

Norwich carried that early momentum through much of the opening period, controlling possession and generating sustained offensive-zone time. Hamline found a chance to settle in midway through the frame with a power play, but the Cadets' defensive structure held firm. Norwich blocked multiple shots and forced the Pipers into difficult angles, limiting quality looks toward Brunet.

The Cadets earned a man advantage of their own later in the period, but Hamline goaltender Kendra Nordick came up with several key saves to keep the deficit at one. Norwich held a 10–4 edge in shots after the first period, but the slim margin set the stage for a tightly contested battle.

Hamline pushed back in the second period, holding the territorial edge early and testing Brunet frequently. The Norwich netminder answered every challenge, turning aside shots from the slot and tracking pucks cleanly through traffic. The Cadets' penalty kill also delivered in a critical moment, with skaters sacrificing their bodies to block shots and preserve the lead.

"The girls put their bodies on the line and do whatever it takes," Brunet said. "It's awesome not having to face as many clean shots."

After weathering the early surge, Norwich generated chances of its own, but Nordick continued to keep Hamline within striking distance. The teams traded opportunities throughout the remainder of the period, but neither side could break through, and the Cadets carried their 1–0 advantage into the final twenty minutes.

The third period saw Hamline press for the equalizer, but Norwich's defensive commitment remained unwavering. The Cadets killed off another Piper power play early in the frame, allowing just one shot on goal. Even at even strength and during a stretch of four-on-four play, Norwich limited second chances and kept the Pipers to the perimeter.

"We knew we had to do whatever it takes," said Lisac. "Blocking shots, playing for each other — and that's what playoff hockey is."

As time wound down, Hamline pulled Nordick for an extra attacker with just over two minutes remaining. Despite the added pressure, Norwich stayed composed, preventing the Pipers from establishing sustained possession and allowing Brunet to see minimal clean looks down the stretch.

When the final horn sounded, Brunet had turned aside all 32 shots she faced, recording her ninth shutout of the season and setting a new program single-season record. The mark breaks a previous five-way tie that included Celeste Robert '17, Laurie King '18, and Leocadia Clark '24.

"It felt different tonight," Brunet said. "The energy was incredible. Jumping into the student section after the game was just our way of thanking them."
Lisac emphasized the team's mindset throughout the season: "We've been in a playoff mindset all year. Since we don't get an automatic bid, every game has mattered. We've been on the same page from the start."

With the victory, Norwich advances to face Nazareth in the NCAA Semifinals. Nazareth advanced with an overtime win over Wilkes, setting up a marquee matchup between two of the nation's top programs in River Falls, Wis.

The semifinal contest will take place at Hunt Arena on Friday, March 27, with puck drop at 4 p.m., as the Cadets look to continue their postseason run on the national stage.

Postgame Press Conference