NASHUA, N.H.—Junior midfielder Grace Fitzpatrick (Falmouth, Maine) scored a game-high seven goals, but it proved to be not enough as the Norwich University women's lacrosse team dropped an 18-16 decision to the Raiders of Rivier University in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) action on Saturday afternoon.

With the loss, the Cadets fall to 3-6 overall and 2-4 in GNAC action, while the win boosts the Raiders to 7-5 overall and 4-4 in league play.

In addition to Fitzpatrick, the Cadets also received four goals and an assist by Chandler Camlin (Stamford, Conn.).  Hope Royce (Washington, Vt.) added three goals for Norwich, while Gina Conroy (Amherst, N.H.) contributed two goals and an assist.

Rebecca Wickens and Elena Reilly both totaled five goals apiece for Rivier.  Lauren Brett added three goals and three assists, and Savannah Neuwirt scored twice.  Paxton LaRocque, Jessica Amaral, and Georgia Steese all tallied single goals.

The Raiders took a 3-0 lead before Fitzpatrick put the Cadets on the board at the 22:01 mark. Minutes later, the Cadets would find themselves within one goal at 4-3, but the Raiders never relinquished the lead and opened the gap to as wide as three goals at 8-5 with 9:32 left to play in the half. The Cadets would trail 10-8 entering halftime.

Rivier opened the gap to four goals in the early minutes of the second half, but with 18:08 remaining, Norwich staged a five-goal streak spanning eight minutes that culminated with a goal by Royce to give the Cadets the 14-13 lead.

Rivier refused to back down and responded with the equalizer 18 seconds later, sparking afour-goal run to reclaim the lead at 17-13. Norwich outscored the Raiders 2-1 in the final 3:30 of the game, but their efforts fell short and the Raiders held on for the 18-16 win.

Norwich goaltender Cheyenne Mata-Notel (East Hampton, N.Y.) recorded seven saves in 49:57 of action.  Rebecca Horgan (Topsfield, Mass.) recorded one save in the final 9:49 of the game. Danielle Moran recorded 10 saves in the win for Rivier.

Fitzpatrick led Norwich in draw controls with 10, while Reilly recorded 13 draw controls for Rivier.

Norwich returns to action on Monday when it travels to Anna Maria for a 6:00 p.m. GNAC matchup.