NEWTON, Mass. – The Norwich women's lacrosse team (1-1) opened their conference schedule at Lasell College (2-4), defeating the Lasers 12-10 in a close GNAC battle with the help of freshman Grace Fitzpatrick's five-goal performance on Grellier Field.

Netting two goals apiece in the action were juniors Danielle Del Dotto and Suzanne Whitaker, as freshman Courtney Saheim put in two goals and two assists. Senior Chelsea Martin tallied her first goal of the season, while Fitzpatrick cleaned up five ground balls and caused four turnovers. 

The Cadets outworked their conference rivals as both teams battled until the final whistle. Norwich was one goal ahead at the half, 5-4, and although they found themselves down 6-5 in the early part of the second half, the Cadets rallied to come back for a two-goal lead.

After the Lasers tied the game at 5-all early in the second half, the home team jumped ahead on a goal by Lasers' Britney Wuorio. Norwich's Del Dotto was there to tie it up again just two minutes later, and Fitzpatrick netted what became the game-winning goal on a free position shot with 19:40 on the clock.

From there, Norwich maintained their lead, stretching to a two-goal advantage on a couple occasions but maintaining their distance by outworking the opponent.

Senior Kellie Pickel set aside five saves for the Cadets, while Norwich outshot the Lasers 26-19 and picked up 17 ground balls to their 14.

The Cadets are on the road again for a GNAC game on Wednesday at 4 p.m., as they'll face off against the Blue Jays of St. Joseph (Conn.).

-CADETS-