NORTHFIELD, Vt. - The Norwich University women's basketball team fell to in-state rival Castleton University on Saturday afternoon, as the Spartans used a huge second quarter to coast to the 58-50 victory. 

Things started off well for Norwich, as Vanessa Fleury (Lebanon, N.H.) hit back-to-back layups and Emily Oliver (Sagamore Hills, Ohio) hit a three to make it 7-0 Norwich right away. Castleton responded, however, rattling off six unanswered points to erase the Cadets big advantage. KristieAnn DeSilvio (Chelmsford, Mass.) beat the first quarter buzzer with a jump shot off a sweet find from Oliver and Norwich entered the first break leading 13-10.

The second quarter did not go Norwich's way, as the Spartans dominated the quarter to a 21-8 tune to open up a 31-21 lead at halftime. The Cadets turned around their defensive effort in the second half, holding the Spartans scoreless for the opening 6:30 of play, but the offense couldn't be found as Norwich was still outscored 10-8 in the quarter. The rest of the game was relatively smooth sailing for Castleton, as they coasted to the 58-50 victory.

Naomi Rinaldo (Middlefield, Conn.) led the defensive effort for Norwich with four steals and a block, while chipping in eight points on 4-6 shooting. Vanessa Fleury just missed a double-double with nine points and 13 rebounds, while Emily Oliver led Norwich with 11 points. 

The loss drops the Cadets to 3-6 overall this year. Norwich has one more game remaining in this first semester, as they'll host the Badgers of Northern Vermont University at Johnson on Tuesday afternoon at 5:00 PM.