Norwich Claims 2008 GNAC Women's Soccer Championship

Norwich 2 - Emmanuel 1     OT

NORTHFIELD, Vt. - Leanne Waterman scored off a cross from Nikki Szczepanski midway through the first overtime to lift the Norwich University women's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Emmanuel in the GNAC Tournament championship game Saturday afternoon at Howard Field.

It marked the first GNAC Tournament championship for the Cadets, who advance to the NCAA Championship for the first time in program history. 

Norwich (15-4-2) opened the scoring late in the first half as Becky Scully headed a cross from Meghan Hoskins into the Emmanuel goal at the 42:12 mark. The Cadets' 1-0 lead held up until the 68th minute when Emmanuel's Amber Di Nucci scored off a rebound.

On Di Nucci's goal, Norwich starting goalkeeper Nicki Hunsicker was injured, and had to leave the game with an injury.

The game remained deadlocked at 1-1 until the 96th minute when Szczepanski took the ball and dribbled down the right sideline and sent a beautiful cross in front of the net. Waterman got a foot on the ball to send the Cadets to the victory.

For the game, Emmanuel outshot Norwich, 34-9. The Cadets held a 7-4 edge in corner kicks. 

Norwich's opponent in the NCAA Championship will be determined on Monday, when the official brackets are announced.

Courtesy: Norwich Athletic Communications