NORTHFIELD, Vt. – The Norwich University women's basketball team was able to withstand a 14-point scoring run in the second quarter on Tuesday evening in Andrews Hall to advance to the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Quarterfinals with an 58-48 victory over Lasell in the First Round of the GNAC Tournament.

Haley Brewster (Virginia Beach, Va.) scored 18 points on knocking down 7 attempts from the free throw line. Skylar Burzynski (Orange, Conn.) was second on the team with 14 points, shooting 50 percent from the field and dishing out 2 assists. Erika Thomas (Burlington, N.C.) scored in double figures and MacKenzie Moore (Georgia, Vt.) pulled down 10 rebounds.

The Cadets got off to a hot start with Brewster securing the tip and charging down towards the basket for a layup in the opening five seconds of play. Burzynski then followed up a few possessions later with a steal and eventually found space to knock down the first of her two three-pointers.

Lasell got on the board with 6:54 remaining in the first quarter but Norwich scored seven of the next eight points to take a 10-point lead. Norwich held a 20-10 advantage after the opening frame.

In the second quarter the Lasers went on a 14-point that began with a three-pointer at the end of the first quarter, taking a 21-20 lead.  After the Cadets and Lasers traded baskets on three straight possessions, Norwich took the lead with 2:54 remaining in the first half with a pair of free throws from Brewster. Norwich held a 33-27 advantage into the half.

Norwich came out at the start of the third quarter with the first five points, taking an 11-point lead. With 4:20 remaining in the third quarter Norwich took a 15-point advantage and was able to maintain the lead to the finish.

Norwich (10-14, 7-9 GNAC) will travel to Emmanuel on Wednesday, Feb. 23 for a 7 pm GNAC Quarterfinal matchup with the Saints at the Jean Yawkey Center.