Norwich Women’s Wrestling Secures First Dual Victory in Program History

The Norwich University Women’s Wrestling team achieved a historic milestone yesterday, November 9, 2024, earning their first-ever dual meet victory with a 29–14 win over the University of Bridgeport in a tri-meet held in Springfield, Massachusetts.

The Cadets dominated against Bridgeport, winning six of the nine contested bouts, including three victories by fall and three by forfeit. Key wins included Jayla Vasquez and Addisyn Herdic earning wins by forfeit, and Gianna Silva’s impressive 10–0 technical fall over Callisto Banks in just 2:40. Charlii Carbajal Sanchez secured a pin in a swift 22 seconds against Sky Hernandez, while Abbigale Williams pinned Linette Diaz in 2:39, and Madison Stroud finished the dual with another forfeit victory. This victory marks a significant step forward for the program, which is still relatively new to the collegiate wrestling scene.

Norwich later faced a stronger Western New England University team, falling 43–4. Despite the loss, Silva continued to shine, earning a 12–7 decision at 124 pounds for the Cadets’ only team points. First-year Nalani Portela-Bailey also secured an exhibition win with a pin in 2:47 over Evangeline Moran. Women’s wrestling is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, with USA Wrestling reporting significant increases in participation at all levels.

“We wrestled very tough overall, and I’m extremely proud of our effort,” said Head Coach Connor Keating. “Everyone on the team has something to be proud of, and we now have a better idea of what we need to work on. This group continues to improve every time we step on the mat.” The Cadets will next compete in the Mount Olive Duals at the University of Mount Olive in North Carolina on December 7.