CASTLETON, Vt. - The Norwich University women's volleyball team dropped a midweek non-conference tilt at Vermont State University Castleton on Wednesday evening, falling to the Spartans in straight sets (14-25, 23-25, 20-25), at Glenbrook Gymnasium.

After the Spartans rallied for an early lead to claim the first set, the Cadets sought revenge in the second frame, keeping close to Castleton's lead throughout the stanza.  Norwich closed the gap to one on several occasions late, but clutch kills by Castleton were enough to prevent the Cadets from overcoming the lead.

Norwich's best consistent success came in the third set when the visitors rushed back from a three-point deficit on seven-straight points to claim a 10-6 advantage.  The Cadets maintained their lead throughout the middle stretch of the set but relinquished to the hosts in the waning moments.

Bella Belldina Ray (Martinsburg, W.Va.) paced the Cadets in kills with nine, followed by three apiece from Lillie Ells (Centerville, Mass.) and Charlotte Johnson (Moultonborough, N.H.).  Cameryn Jenkins (Monroe, Mich.) logged 11 digs, while Johnson also had five blocks, earning two solo blocks and three block assists.

The Cadets will return to Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play this weekend, hosting Simmons University at 11:00 a.m. before battling Albertus Magnus College at 3:00 p.m. in Andrews Gymnasium on Saturday, Sept. 28.  Norwich then hosts their annual Dig Pink Game next Friday, Oct. 4, against Fisher College.