NORTHFIELD, Vt. - The Norwich University women's volleyball team wrapped up opening weekend with a 3-0 setback to Vermont State University Castleton on Sunday afternoon at Andrews Hall, falling to the Spartans in the final match of the 2025 Vermont Volleyball Classic.

The event marked Norwich's first time hosting the annual classic since 2021, welcoming in-state rivals Vermont State University Lyndon, Vermont State University Johnson, and VTSU Castleton to Northfield for six matches across two days.  The Cadets swept VTSU Lyndon to open the weekend before falling to VTSU Johnson in Saturday's nightcap.

Sunday's finale belonged to VTSU Castleton, as the Spartans secured a 3-0 win (10-25, 23-25, 17-25) behind a combination of timely offense and late-set execution.  Bella Belldina Ray (Martinsburg, W.Va.) paced the Cadets with six kills, while Charlotte Johnson (Moultonborough, N.H.) and Taylor "Rae" Lawing (Allen, Texas) added five kills apiece.  Sarah DeBot (Rochester, N.Y.) posted a 12-assist, 12-dig double-double to lead Norwich in both categories.

The opening frame saw an early 5-5 tie quickly dissolve, as VTSU Castleton closed the set on a dominant 20-5 run.  Norwich responded in set two, racing out to a 7-1 lead and battling the Spartans point-for-point.  With the set tied multiple times down the stretch, the Cadets looked poised to even the match after building a 23-21 edge.  But VTSU Castleton spoiled the comeback bid, reeling off four straight points to steal the set and take a 2-0 lead.

The Spartans carried that momentum into the final frame, jumping out to a 4-0 lead.  Norwich clawed back within two at 11-9, but VTSU Castleton held off several challenges from the Cadets and closed out the match despite a late push from the home side.

With the win, VTSU Castleton completed a perfect 3-0 run at the Classic, following a 3-0 victory over VTSU Johnson earlier in the day.  VTSU Johnson defeated VTSU Lyndon in Sunday's opening match, also by a 3-0 scoreline.

Norwich returns to action on Wednesday, Sept. 3, for its Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) opener against Mitchell College.  First serve is set for 5:00 p.m. at Andrews Hall.  The Cadets then host VTSU Castleton and Trinity College (Conn.) in a non-conference tri-match on Saturday, Sept. 6.