NORTHFIELD, Vt. – The Norwich University women's soccer team continued its perfect start to the 2026 season on Saturday evening, earning a 1-0 shutout victory over Elms College at Sabine Field. The Cadets improve to 4-0-0 overall and 1-0-0 in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play with the win.
Norwich controlled the attacking tempo early, putting pressure on the Elms backline and generating several chances in the opening minutes. After the Elms goalkeeper turned aside an early attempt from Sophie Guarriello (Barre, Vt.), the Cadets continued to work the ball into the attacking third and eventually broke through in the 17th minute.
Guarriello tucked it into the back of the net, finishing off a chance created by Colby Magoon (Loudoun, N.H.) from the left wing to give Norwich a 1-0 advantage. The goal marked Guarriello's fourth of the season, while Magoon picked up her first assist of the campaign.
The Cadets continued to apply pressure throughout the remainder of the first half, creating multiple opportunities in and around the Elms penalty area. Guarriello nearly doubled the advantage in the 27th minute when her attempt found the woodwork, while Jasmine Hackman's shot also struck the crossbar later in the half. Norwich carried its 1-0 lead into halftime.
Norwich maintained its defensive shape and discipline coming out of the break while continuing to look for a second goal. The Cadets generated four shots and three corner kicks in the second half, including a pair of attempts from Melanie Winters (Montpelier, Vt.) and a shot on frame from Heidi Smith (Sammamish, Wash.) that was saved by the Blazers keeper.
The Elms attack created its best opportunities late in the contest, but Sophie Olivo (Sanford, Maine) and the Norwich defense held firm. Olivo made a pair of saves in the final seven minutes, including a diving save in the first half to deny an opening goal for the Blazers. Olivo is now 4 games into her collegiate career without giving up a single goal.
Norwich finished the evening with a 12-4 advantage in shots and held a 3-1 edge in shots on goal. The Cadets also earned six corner kicks compared to three for the Blazers.
Guarriello led the Cadets offensively with three shots, including two on target and the game-winning goal, while Magoon added four shots and an assist.
With the victory, Norwich remains unbeaten through its first four matches of the season and opens GNAC play with a 1-0-0 record.
The Cadets return to action on Wednesday, Sept. 16, when they host GNAC foe, Rivier, at Sabine Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.
