NCAA recognizes Norwich women's lacrosse as turnover champs

For the second time in four seasons, the Norwich University women's lacrosse team has claimed an NCAA statistical championship, as the Cadets led all of Division III in caused turnovers per game during the 2025 season.

Norwich averaged 19.67 caused turnovers per contest across a record-breaking campaign that saw the Cadets finish 15-3 overall, notch their first Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Semifinals appearance since 2014, and post the most single-season wins in program history. The Cadets also rattled off a 12-game winning streak during the year, the second-longest ever by the program.

The defensive achievement marks the first NCAA statistical title in caused turnovers per game for Norwich and adds to the program's growing legacy of grit and defensive dominance. The Cadets previously led the nation in ground balls per game during both the 2009 and 2022 seasons.

"This year's defense will go down as one of the best units in program history, setting program records for goals against average (7.11), save percentage (.511), caused turnovers (354), and caused turnovers per game (19.67)," said Head Coach Ian Thomas, who was named GNAC Coach of the Year at season's end. "It is an honor to lead the country in any statistical category, and being a military school, defense is in our DNA. However, leading the NCAA in caused turnovers is not only a defensive award. It reflects the resiliency, grit, and culture of our program. We take immense pride in our style of play and the relentless mentality needed to apply pressure to our opponents on all levels of the field. This is a full team accomplishment and a testament to our hard work, discipline, and buy-in on and off the field."

The Cadets forced at least 20 turnovers in 10 different games throughout the season, including a season-high 29 caused turnovers in a 15-1 victory over Anna Maria on April 12. Overall, Norwich totaled 354 caused turnovers across 18 contests, shattering the previous program record of 236, set by the 2024 team.

Norwich was led in the category by standout defender Celine Juneau ’25, who caused a team-best 45 turnovers while ranking 33rd nationally and fourth in the GNAC with an average of 2.50 caused turnovers per game. Lindsey Parker ’25 added 41 total caused turnovers to rank 53rd nationally and ninth in the conference (2.28 per game), while Sarah Moshrefi ’25 finished with 2.07 per game to place 84th in the country. Four other Cadets ranked among the top 30 in the GNAC in the category, further emphasizing the program's defensive depth and cohesion.

The NCAA sent a commemorative plaque to recognize Norwich's national statistical title in caused turnovers per game, joining the plaudits earned by the 2009 and 2022 squads for ground balls per game. The honor reflects the continued growth of the program under Thomas, now entering his fourth season at the helm.

Norwich will look to build on its historic 2025 season when it returns to action in spring 2026, with a roster once again anchored by its tenacious defensive identity and commitment to full-field pressure.