Norwich Free Academy and Fitch are an even 5-5 against one another since January of 2020, but not for long. The Norwich Free Academy Wildcats will challenge the Fitch Falcons at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Both come into the match bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Norwich Free Academy is headed in fresh off scoring the most points they have all season. They simply couldn't be stopped on Saturday as they easily beat Pomperaug 68-28. With the Wildcats ahead 36-15 at the half, the contest was all but over already.
Norwich Free Academy's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Emily Orcutt led the charge by going 6 of 10 on her way to 14 points along with seven boards and three steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Jordyn Bay-Kent, who went 6 of 10 en route to 15 points along with six boards and three steals.
Norwich Free Academy smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 14 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive rebounds in 22 consecutive games dating back to last season.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Fitch, who bounced back after a loss on the road last Saturday. They took down New London 44-26 on Friday.
Fitch found their leader in sophomore Synaa Waters, who dropped a double-double on 16 points and 12 rebounds. Those 12 boards set a new season-high mark for Waters. The team also got some help courtesy of Katherine Wenger, who went 6 of 11 on her way to 14 points in addition to six boards and four steals.
Fitch pushed their record up to 3-2 with the victory, which was their fifth straight at home dating back to last season. As for Norwich Free Academy, they now also have a winning record of 3-2.
Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Norwich Free Academy has been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 33.2 boards per game. However, it's not like Fitch struggles in that department as they've been averaging 30.8 rebounds. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.
Norwich Free Academy came up short against Fitch when the teams last played back in January of 2024, falling 42-34. Can Norwich Free Academy avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
