BOSTON – The Norwich University softball team squandered two leads to fall twice to Emmanuel College on Saturday afternoon in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) action. 

Norwich (1-5, 0-4 GNAC) continued its trend of strong starts but only to fall victim to mid-to-late game comebacks once again on Saturday in Boston. 

The Cadets led 2-0 heading to the bottom of the fifth in Game 1, but surrendered four runs each in the fifth and sixth innings to fall behind 8-2 and ultimately succumbing in an 8-3 defeat. 

In Game 2, Norwich led 5-4 heading to the bottom of the fifth, but a two-run home run, followed up by another solo shot in the bottom of the sixth sealed the Cadets' fate again to remain winless in GNAC play. 

Senior Felicia Armell (North Ferrisburgh, Vt.) had an inside-the-park home run in the top of the seventh inning for her first collegiate home run. Senior Caitlin Dailey (Topsham, Maine) and Liliana Rolfe (Plainville, Mass.) each had two hits in the opener as well to lead the Cadets' offense. 

Sophomore Nina Biello (Cranston, R.I.) and freshman Annika Beebe (Marianna, Fla.) each had a RBI singles as well for Norwich in Game 1. 

Beebe was saddled with the loss in the pitcher's circle after going 4.2 innings and giving up four earned runs on seven hits. Sophomore Allison Northup (Westerly, R.I.) came on in relief to surrender four runs as well in 1.1 innings pitched.

In Game 2, Norwich outhit Emmanuel 9-8, but the Cadets were unable to hold the 5-4 lead late en route to their four straight loss. 

Junior Dara Kelly (Chesterfield, N.J.) had a RBI double while senior catcher Elizabeth Niven (Londonderry, N.H.) had two hits, including a RBI. Junior Maggie Rasmussen (Kingston, N.H.) picked up a RBI as well. 

Northup gave up one earned run in 2.2 innings pitched before yielding the circle to Beebe for the final 3.1 innings. Beebe pitched well in her time, but gave up two home runs with four strikeouts in the loss. 

The Cadets will look to shake their skid on Monday when they travel to New England College for a non-conference doubleheader in Henniker, N.H. Norwich is scheduled to host Anna Maria on Sunday, April 11 in its home opener at the NU Softball Field.