Easily the biggest women’s college game of the weekend, Army defeated Norwich 43-17 in a varsity shocker. The victory marked the first time that the West Pointers defeated the Cadets in 15s.

The fact that Army won Saturday’s match wasn’t the surprising aspect of the contest. The Black Knights had defeated Quinnipiac and AIC already this season, but those wins were both single-digit comeback victories. A 26-point win over one of the most dominant DI teams in the country was not expected.

Norwich is far from doomed. Some important players have cycled out, but numbers are good, and the program is good. And by season’s end, the Cadets will be title contenders once again. But for the first time in a long time, Norwich is going to be playing some catch-up.

The game began in the host’s favor, as senior standout Val McGuire scored and freshman Bayli Jenski added a penalty for a 10-0 lead after six minutes.

Army overtook the lead with two Lindy Clark tries – an effort that saw the firstie named Army Athletic Association Athlete of the Week – and Nicole Heavirland conversion. Heavirland had been named the AAA Athlete of the Week after the Quinnipiac match, meaning that women’s rugby players have accounted for the first two honorees.

Norwich All American Hannah Bell restored Norwich's lead with a try in the 16^th minute, and Jenski’s second conversion put the team up 17-12. The scoreline held for 20 minutes, but right before the break, Clark logged her third try and Heavirland her second conversion for the 19-17 edge. The Black Knights never looked back.

Forward captain Chioma Odocha and Carissa Pekny scored tries, and Heavirland's boot pushed Army’s lead out to 31-17. Norwich couldn’t finish its opportunities, while Army grew in confidence. Odocha went over for her second try, and Heavirland's off-the-tee skills produced the 43-17 win to the Black Knights.

For Army, this game was everything. Not only did the West Pointers beat Norwich for the first time ever in 15s, but the Black Knights didn’t have to wait until the closing minutes to solidify a win. They established and maintained the lead throughout the second half, and familiarizing the team with what that effort takes is important.

Army will further test itself against Lindenwood and Penn State this weekend in State College, Pa. Norwich will look to improve against Quinnipiac.