Women's rugby to host annual Tackle Cancer game Saturday

The Norwich University women's rugby team will spotlight a deeply meaningful cause during Saturday's home matchup against the University of Maine Orono, hosting its annual Tackle Cancer Game at 2 p.m. on the Graveyard Pitch.

In partnership with Vermonters Taking Action Against Cancer, the Cadets will honor those affected by breast cancer with a day of tribute, unity, and purpose. The program aims to elevate awareness and celebrate stories of strength and perseverance across the rugby community and beyond.

The afternoon will begin with a pre-match recognition ceremony at midfield, including a moment of silence to remember those lost to cancer, and a flower presentation to honor survivors, supporters, and loved ones affected by the disease. The national anthem will follow, performed by senior student-athlete Ava Smith of the Norwich women's rugby team.

As part of the event, Norwich players will wear pink socks and other pink-themed accessories, while the team's home field will be adorned with pink balloons, flags, and post covers. Players and fans are encouraged to join the show of support through hair dye, scrunchies, or other personal touches.

"One in eight women are affected by breast cancer," said sophomore Billie Moign Baillargeon. "This cancer represents 30% of all cancers diagnosed in women each year. Being able to support women battling it is empowering. Playing sports in college gives us a platform to speak about health issues that are relevant to us."

Baillargeon, whose own family has been directly impacted by breast cancer, emphasized how important visibility and empathy are for those affected. "My mother getting diagnosed changed our family. Even after being cancer-free, the physical and emotional effects of treatment lingered for years. Cancer is so difficult to get over because you're treated like a sick person, even when you don't feel sick — and your body changes in ways that are hard to process. Now, we can talk and protest and fight against it, and that empowers us."

On the field, Norwich enters the contest with a 2-1 record and looks to continue its strong start to the fall season. The Cadets opened the year with wins over the University of Vermont and University of Rhode Island before a hard-fought contest against nationally-ranked United States Coast Guard Academy under the lights on Sabine Field.

The Tackle Cancer Game has become one of the team's signature theme events and continues to grow in scope and spirit. It provides the players with an opportunity to not only compete, but to lead with purpose.

"We are able to show support to the women in our life who had to battle cancer, and show them that we care, that their health is not taboo, and that their suffering is not going unnoticed," Baillargeon said. "This match is about giving support to women who have been through this battle, and making it known that this disease still impacts lives in ways that go beyond treatment."

When the Cadets take the field on Saturday, Baillargeon hopes their performance and their platform sends a strong message.

"We have a duty as women to support each other and be there for the women in our lives who are battling breast cancer," she said. "Playing such a brutal sport requires a team having each other's backs, and that's exactly what women need when they face cancer. I hope we play to win, and show what solidarity looks like both on and off the field."

Admission to the match is free and open to the public. Pregame ceremonies are set to begin at approximately 1:50 p.m. at the Graveyard Pitch.