VERO BEACH, Fla. – The Norwich University baseball team couldn't overcome an early three-run deficit as they dropped a 12-5 decision to Briarcliffe College on Friday afternoon.

Junior Jordan Britton (Haverhill, Mass.) led the way offensively for the Cadets as he went two-for-two with a single, a double and two RBIs.

Senior Devin Cilley (Tunbridge, Vt.) chipped in a sacrifice fly, freshman LaShawn Thomas (San Antonio, Texas) added an RBI groundout and senior Charles Schaub (East Hampton,Ct.) added a pinch-hit double to round out the Norwich offense.

Briarcliffe blew the game open with back-to-back four run innings in the fifth and sixth frames.

Joseph Portela picked up the win for Briarcliffe after throwing seven and one-third innings and allowing three runs (one earned) on seven hits and one walk. He struck out two Cadets.

Sophomore Jacob Mutterties (Boxford, Mass.) took the loss for Norwich after throwing three innings. He surrendered three runs (two earned) on four hits and one walk, he also recorded three strikeouts.

The Cadets trailed 11-1 entering the top of the eighth inning before they rallied for two runs in both the eighth and ninth innings.

This was the final game of Norwich's Florida trip as the Cadets' next scheduled game is March 26th at Gordon College. First pitch is set for 3:30 p.m.