BOSTON, MASS. – Norwich University gave Great Northeast Athletic Conference co-leader Emmanuel a strong opening half run Feb. 11.

The Cadets (10-14, 5-7 GNAC) battled back from a 20-6 deficit in the opening nine minutes, catching the host Saints (17-6, 11-0 GNAC) at 29-29 with 4:25 to go behind a 23-9 run of their own. NU managed to grab a pair of two-point leads late in the half including a 33-31 edge at the half.

Emmanuel responded quickly to open the second half by going out on a 26-7 roll. EC continued to build on their 57-40 advantage throughout the stanza en route to 52 points and an 83-55 victory.

Three Maroon and Gold players ended in double digits. Junior forward Jessalyn Sweeney (Standfordville, N.Y.) posted her third consecutive double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman guard Kelsey Lotti (South Yarmouth, Mass.) added 11 points and a team-best three steals, and senior forward/center Tara Stevenson (Watertown, Conn.) chipped in 11 points and five rebounds.

Norwich closes the 2011-12 regular season Saturday, Feb. 18, when Lasell College visits Andrews Gymnasium for a 1 p.m. tip-off. The game serves as Senior Day 2012 and the observation of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association's “Play 4 Kay/Pink Zone” initiative.

NOTES – Sweeney has reeled off four consecutive double-figure scoring games. Her scoring average is up six-tenths (7.9-8.5) in the span, while her rebounding average has increased eight-tenths (6.4-7.2) in her double-double stretch. The junior forward has also hit 13 straight free throws. … Stevenson's second double-figure scoring game in her last three appearances saw her points-per-game average continue to spike (5.5-5.9). … Freshman guard Aliah Curry (Windsor, Mass.) saw her streak of 18 straight double-figure scoring games end due to a tough shooting day. She was one of 11 from the field and one of 10 from beyond the arc during a six-point afternoon.