NORTHFIELD, VT — The Norwich University Cadets, ranked number one in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC), closed their lacrosse season with a 9-7 win over the second-ranked Mt Ida College to capture the program’s first-ever GNAC championship, at home in Northfield on April 27. Judd Baggett, of Newtown, contributed in the win as an offensive midfield player.

With the win, the Cadets complete a flawless 12-0 season against GNAC opponents and improve to 12-4 overall. Norwich sealed an automatic bid to the 2013 Division III NCAA Tournament, marking the first NCAA appearance for the program.

Baggett has been a team member on the Cadets throughout his four years while attending Norwich University, playing offensive midfield as well as attack during his college career. Baggett was named to the league’s Sportsmanship Team for his commitment to the program. The senior played an important role in the Cadet’s undefeated GNAC league season by playing multiple positions and making significant plays and contributions, and by acting as a leader on the field.

Baggett has been guided by Head Coach Neal Anderson, who has earned GNAC coach of the year honors, leading his team to its first GNAC Championship title in his fifth year at the helm of the program. It marks the second time in as many years that the league’s coaches have credited Anderson with the honor.

Zephyr provided helmet decal ribbons to many colleges throughout New England, Norwich being one. Players proudly sported a green ribbon in support of Sandy Hook in the aftermath of 12/14, and Baggett sold bracelets to cadets and civilians at Norwich.