BOSTON, Mass. – The Cadets volleyball team faced a tough day of competition, as they traveled to Boston to play back-to-back matches against Johnson & Wales and Emerson on Saturday. In both events, Norwich, now 17-9 and 6-4 in the GNAC, dropped 3-1 decisions to their opponents.

In game one of the afternoon, the Cadets lost to Johnson & Wales by set scores of 19-25, 13-25, 25-13, and 17-25.

Stepping up for Norwich in the match, senior Molly Rice earned 29 assists and two digs, while junior Ivana Batur tallied seven kills and five blocks. Senior Thea Evans contributed with 10 kills and 11 digs.

In the second match of the afternoon, the Cadets were on the brink of pushing the host college, Emerson, into a fifth set, but lost the battle by set scores of 19-25, 25-21, 18-25, and 25-27.

Batur was a vital contestant in the match and certainly Emerson's biggest challenge; as she racked up nine kills, four service aces, 13 digs, and three blocks. Rice attributed another 30 assists and added eight digs, while Evans earned nine kills and sophomore MaryRose Meany earned six. Junior Brittany Palmer worked to keep the Cadets in the running, as she contributed 12 digs.

The Cadets schedule continues on the road and they will travel to MCLA on Tuesday for a 7 p.m. match. This Thursday will be the team's final home contest of the season. They will host Castleton State College for a 7 p.m. tip-off. Prior to the event, the Cadets' five seniors will be recognized; Dana Flieger, Rice, Evans, Keira Holmes, and Jessica Bielski.