It was a nail-biting conclusion to the NEWMAC regular season at Toppa Field on Saturday afternoon. Salve Regina University built a commanding 31-17 lead through three quarters, but Norwich University clawed back with two dramatic touchdowns in the fourth, pulling within a single point. A failed two-point conversion in the closing moments sealed the Seahawks’ 31-30 victory, ending the 2024 season on a high note for Salve Regina.
The Seahawks (6-4, 5-2 NEWMAC) relied on a balanced attack and key defensive stops to fend off the winless Cadets (0-10, 0-7 NEWMAC), whose spirited comeback attempt fell agonizingly short.
Back-and-Forth First Half
Salve Regina struck first, with running back Justan Luzzi finding the end zone on a 7-yard run early in the first quarter. Norwich immediately responded with a 90-yard touchdown bomb from Landon Beecher to Henri Bourque, leveling the score at 7-7.
The Seahawks regained the lead with a Jacob Hernandez 8-yard run, only for Norwich to cut the deficit to four on a 29-yard Jace McCarron field goal. Salve extended their advantage with a 33-yard field goal by Nathan DiRado, but Beecher’s 4-yard run tied the game at 17 apiece late in the second quarter.
As time expired in the first half, Salve quarterback A. Bellizzi orchestrated a 15-play, 85-yard drive, capping it off with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Max Mazzella, sending the Seahawks into the locker room up 24-17.
Seahawks Dominate Third Quarter
The third quarter belonged to Salve Regina. Luzzi notched his second touchdown of the day on a 2-yard run, giving the Seahawks a two-touchdown cushion at 31-17. The Salve defense kept Norwich in check during the period, setting the stage for what appeared to be a comfortable finish.
Cadets Storm Back
Norwich, however, refused to go quietly. The momentum shifted midway through the fourth quarter when Devin DeJesus intercepted Bellizzi and returned it 34 yards for a touchdown, narrowing the gap to 31-24.
With just under two minutes remaining, Jehric Hackney broke loose for a 44-yard touchdown run, bringing the Cadets within a point. Norwich elected to go for the win with a two-point conversion attempt, but the Seahawks’ defense held firm, preserving the narrow victory.
Nathan DiRado’s reliable leg stood out in the Seahawks’ final game of 2024, as the first-year kicker went 4-for-4 on extra points, finishing the season 18-of-19.
Salve Regina now turns its attention to the offseason, with hopes of building on a strong finish as they prepare for 2025.
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