ORONO, Maine – The Norwich University women's rugby team earned a 29-19 victory over the University of Maine-Orono this weekend, getting standout contributions from its first-year and sophomore players in a strong team effort in their first conference matchup of the season.

With several upperclassmen out of today's contest, the Cadets' younger players stepped into expanded roles and helped Norwich secure the victory. Norwich's five tries came from Gabi Virtue (Cumberland, R.I.), Shenale Hadunnetthi Rannuluge (Flushing, N.Y.), Leslie Malin (Brooklyn, N.Y.), and two Carlyan Vigbedor (Centreville, Va.) tries while Morgan Zelenak (Grove City, Ohio) and Virtue added a successful conversion each. 

The performance showcased the depth of the Norwich roster, with the Cadets' younger players making an impact throughout the match. In addition to the five try scorers, Isabelle Brandt (Amherst, N.H.), Jocelyn Keating (Weymouth, Mass.), Joselyn Lanou (Charlestown, N.H.), Joy Lu (Tuscon, Ariz.), Kenna McFadden (Scholfield, Wis.), Lily Hernandez (Dallas, Texas), Cameron Wishart (Epping, N.Y.) and Teya Thomas (Milwaukee, Wis.) all turned in impressive efforts on the pitch on both sides of the ball.

Head coach Baylee Annis praised the team's younger players for answering the call and embracing increased responsibility with several veterans unavailable for the first conference match of the year.

"This weekend was a massive showing from our first year and sophomore team members. With quite a few upperclassmen away for drill weekend, our younger players really showed up and showed out."

The Cadets will look to build on the impressive result when they return home for an exhibition match against St. Bonaventure on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 11 a.m. The match will mark Norwich's first home contest at Dog River Pitch in four years, giving the Cadets an opportunity to showcase the depth of their roster against an experienced Bonnies' squad at home in front of the Norwich Rugby crowd.