NORTHFIELD, VT – The Vermont State University Johnson women's soccer program opened their 2024 season with a strong effort on the road, facing Norwich University under the lights. The two teams battled at nil-nil for the duration of the first half, before Norwich pulled away late in the second to secure a win at home. The Badgers defense was resilient, holding the Cadets to no shots on goal until the 16 minute mark. First-year goalkeeper, Sophia Johnson, displayed poise under pressure, notching three saves in a shutout first half, while the defensive pressure pushed five additional Norwich shots off goal entirely.

The pressure continued down the stretch, when Norwich senior, Celine Juneau, put the Cadets on the board with a goal at 68:33. A 66-second sequence saw Norwich add to their total, with back-to-back goals inside the final ten minutes, preventing Johnson from pulling back to even.

In their first game as Badgers, first-year Leighton Fenyus launched her first shot on target no more than five minutes into the game, and Sophia Johnson notched eight saves in the goal.

The Badgers return to action this Sunday at 3:30 pm against Paul Smith's College in the season home opener.