NORTHFIELD, Vt. & EASTON, Mass. - The Norwich University women's rugby program was in action on two fronts this weekend, with the A Team competing at the Rugby Northeast CRC Qualifier at Stonehill College and the B Team taking the field at the Chris Munn 7s Tournament on Sabine Field.

The Chris Munn 7s Tournament stands as a key event for Norwich rugby, honoring the life and legacy of Chris Munn '81, a Norwich rugby captain, U.S. Army Colonel, and dedicated advocate for ALS awareness.  Munn's commitment to rugby and his courageous fight against ALS continue to inspire both current players and alumni, making this tournament an emotional and meaningful competition for the Cadets.

At Stonehill College, the Norwich A Team battled through pool play, opening the day with a hard-fought 12-12 draw against the United States Coast Guard Academy.  The Cadets then secured a 5-0 defensive battle victory over the University of Massachusetts Lowell, thanks to a game-winning try from Alyssa Gioia (Stamford, N.H.).

In the semifinals, Norwich faced off against a talented Roger Williams University squad, falling 25-0, which sent them into the Bowl Final.  The Cadets responded with resilience, earning a dramatic 25-24 victory over the University of Maine to finish in third place.  In the win, four different Cadets, Joey Abrantes (Massena, N.Y.), Taina Negron (Melbourne, Fla.), Shenale Hadunnetthi Rannuluge (Flushing, N.Y.), and Octavia Crawford (Shelburne Falls, Mass.) found the try zone, with Crawford leading the charge with two tries.

Back home in Northfield, the Norwich B Team delivered an impressive performance in the Chris Munn 7s Tournament, advancing to the championship match after a dominant 40-0 victory over Saint Michael's College in pool play.  Lupe Chavez Linares (Yonkers, N.Y.) led the way with three tries, while Gabrielle Souther scored the first try of her career.

The Cadets also secured a 20-0 shutout win over New England College, with Lillie Ells, Isabelle Orta (Naples, Fla.), Teya Thomas, and Dejanae Foulkes each scoring a try.  Their only pool play setback came against the University of New Hampshire, setting up a rematch against UNH in the championship.  Despite a strong effort, Norwich fell 33-5, with Carlyan Vigbedor (Centreville, Va.) scoring the Cadets' lone try in the final.

The legacy of Chris Munn remains a driving force behind Norwich rugby, and this weekend was yet another opportunity to honor his memory through dedication, teamwork, and the continued pursuit of excellence.

The Cadets will return to action on Saturday, Apr. 12, when both the A Team and B Team will compete at the New England College 7s Tournament, hosted in Henniker, N.H.