The Norwich University Cadets have continued to demonstrate strong performances across multiple athletic programs as the 2026 spring and winter seasons progress. Teams Across campus, Norwich has competed in conference play, national tournaments, and early-season matchups, highlighting the depth of Norwich athletics and the competitiveness of its student-athletes.
Baseball
The Norwich Cadets baseball team has been busy through the early portion of the 2026 season, facing a mix of non‑conference and season‑opening opponents.
Norwich opened its campaign with a tough road trip to Florida: the Cadets fell to Massachusetts Maritime Academy and Misericordia to begin their spring break slate, dropping both games on the trip. The struggles continued shortly thereafter when Norwich lost to Lebanon Valley, with the Dutchmen jumping out to an early lead and maintaining control through the final innings.
The next game saw Norwich put up a fight, but the Cadets fell 11–3 to Middlebury in non‑conference action. Norwich rallied in the fourth inning to tie the game at 3–3, but Middlebury answered with a six‑run fifth frame that pulled the Panthers decisively ahead.
The Cadets responded later in the week with a stronger performance, earning a split in a doubleheader against the Wentworth Leopards. Norwich and Wentworth each took a game, marking the first-ever meetings between the two programs and giving the Cadets a balanced result on the road.
Early games have shown both challenges and positive stretches for the team as pitchers and hitters work to find consistency. Players like Michael Sabasteanski have stood out offensively, while contributions from the bullpen have kept several contests close. The mix of tough early losses and competitive outings against Middlebury and Wentworth reflects a young squad learning its identity.
As the season progresses, the Cadets look to carry forward the growth shown in these early matchups into Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play and build toward a strong spring finish.
Men’s Ice Hockey
The Norwich Cadets men’s ice hockey team has continued its strong postseason run in the NCAA Division III tournament. Norwich secured an important first-round victory after scoring two goals within just 19 seconds, quickly shifting momentum in the game. The fast-scoring burst gave the Cadets control and advanced them to the national quarterfinals.
In the next stage of the tournament, Norwich will face the Hamilton Continentals. The Cadets have built a long-standing reputation as one of the most competitive Division III hockey programs in the country, consistently competing for conference titles and national championships.
Women’s Ice Hockey
The Norwich Cadets women’s ice hockey team continues to represent the university as one of the strongest programs in the New England Hockey Conference (NEHC). Throughout the season, the Cadets have demonstrated strong defensive play and balanced scoring, enabling them to remain competitive in the conference standings.
Norwich women’s hockey has historically been one of the most dominant teams in Division III, regularly appearing in national tournaments and competing for championships. The program has built a tradition of disciplined play and strong teamwork, helping maintain Norwich’s reputation as a powerhouse in collegiate women’s hockey.
Men’s Lacrosse
The Norwich men’s lacrosse team earned its first conference victory of the season with a strong performance against the Albertus Magnus Falcons. A major turning point in the game came in the second quarter, when the Cadets erupted offensively, scoring multiple goals to build a significant lead.
The victory gave Norwich early momentum in conference play and demonstrated the team’s ability to take control of games through aggressive offense and strong defensive play.
Women’s Lacrosse
The women’s lacrosse team began the season with an impressive undefeated start before eventually facing a tough matchup against the defending conference champion, the Emmanuel Saints. Norwich ultimately fell in the contest, marking the team’s first loss of the season.
Despite the setback, the early winning streak showed the team’s potential and competitive strength within the GNAC. As the season continues, the Cadets will look to build on their early success and remain competitive in conference play.
Men’s Tennis
The Norwich men’s tennis team started the season on a positive note with a convincing 6–1 non-conference victory over the Houghton Highlanders. Strong performances in both singles and doubles matches helped the Cadets secure the win.
The match served as an important early-season test and demonstrated the team’s ability to compete effectively outside of conference play.
Softball
The Norwich Cadets softball team has started the spring season with strong performances in non-conference matchups and early tournament play. The Cadets have shown steady development both offensively and defensively as they prepare for GNAC conference competition.
A standout moment this season came from freshman pitcher Riley Thompson, who became the program’s first-ever Rookie of the Year award winner in softball. Thompson’s dominance on the mound, coupled with her poise under pressure, has made her a key contributor to Norwich’s early-season success. Her achievement not only reflects her individual talent but also marks a milestone in the history of the Cadets’ softball program, highlighting the team’s growing strength and recognition within the conference.
With Thompson’s leadership and strong team performance, Norwich softball is poised for a competitive season and will aim to contend for conference honors.
Wrestling
The Norwich wrestling team recently competed in a closely contested dual meet against the Southern Maine Huskies, ultimately falling 22–19. Several matches were decided by narrow margins, highlighting the Cadets’ intensity and competitiveness.
This season marked a special milestone for the program, as Norwich welcomed its 25th Cadet wrestler in the team’s history to compete at the varsity level. The addition of this 25th Cadet reflects the growth and continued strength of the wrestling program, which combines seasoned veterans with talented newcomers to remain competitive in dual meets and conference tournaments.
Individual performances during the meet demonstrated resilience and determination, with several Cadets pushing their opponents to the limit in closely contested matches. The team continues to emphasize both technical skill and strategic match management, aiming to improve results as the season progresses toward conference competition.
Recap:
Overall, Norwich University athletics continues to see success across multiple sports. From national tournament appearances in hockey to strong beginnings in Baseball the Cadets continue to build momentum throughout the 2026 athletic season.
