MIDDLEBURY, Vt.—The Norwich University women's basketball team suffered a 72-44 setback to the Panthers of Middlebury College on Tuesday evening in non-conference action.  With the loss, the Cadets fall to 4-3 on the season, while the win boosts the Panthers to 3-4.

The Panthers capitalized on an early 9-0 run in the first five minutes of the game.  The Cadets would break the streak with a layup by freshman Sheridan Steiner (Lafayette, Ind.), but Middlebury answered with a 10-0 run in the next six minutes to lead 19-2 with 9:47 to play in the half.  The Panthers would lead 40-19 entering halftime.

After shooting 53 percent in the first half, Norwich held the Panthers to 38 percent shooting from the floor in the second half.  The Cadets were unable to bolster a comeback, and the Panthers claimed the 72-44 win.

Leading the offensive effort for Norwich was sophomore guard Aliah Curry (Windsor, Mass.) with 14 points, nine of which came in the second half.  Freshman Abigail Wright (Hartland, Vt.) chipped in with a season-best eight points, while sophomore Kelsey Lotti (South Yarmouth, Mass.) added seven points and five rebounds.

The Panthers were led by a pair of double-double performances from Scarlett Kirk, who totaled a game-high 21 points and 10 rebounds, and Tracy Borsinger, who scored 15 points alongside 10 rebounds. Katie Pett aided Middlebury with 13 rebounds in addition to five points, while Laura Lowry chipped in with nine points.

The Cadets return to action on Friday as they travel take on Mount Saint Mary at 6:00 p.m.