PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. - The Norwich University women's hockey team scored first, but ultimately ended up falling 4-1 to No. 1-ranked Plattsburgh State on Wednesday evening in non-conference action at the Ronald B. Stafford Ice Arena.

Sophomore forward Ally Lague (Barre, Vt.) scored in the opening two minutes of the game, but the reigning NCAA Division III national champion Cardinals scored four unanswered goals to cruise to the victory. 

Norwich (2-1-0, 2-0-0 NEHC) and Plattsburgh State (2-0-0, 1-0-0 NEWHL) met 606 days after they were supposed to play in the 2020 NCAA Quarterfinals prior to the tournament being canceled due to COVID-19.

Lague gave Norwich a 1-0 lead at the 1:37 mark off assists from Kenady Nevicosi (Breckenridge, Colo.) and Morgan Tefft (Redwood City, Calif.). The Cadets carried the 1-0 lead into the first intermission, despite getting outshot 10-7 in the game. 

However, it was all Cardinals from there as the nation's top-ranked team scored three goals in the second period and then added another in the third to pull away for the 4-1 win.

Plattsburgh freshman defenseman Mattie Norton scored twice and had an assist to lead the Cardinals' offense. Norton scored twice on the power play, while Annie Katonka and Nicole Unsworth also scored for Plattsburgh.

Norwich senior goalie Alexa Berg (West Fargo, N.D.) made 37 saves in the loss. Norwich was outshot 41-21 in the game.

The Cadets finally come home to Kreitzberg Arena for their season opener on Friday vs. Plymouth State at 6 p.m. NU also hosts Castleton on Saturday at 3 p.m. in two NEHC contests.