NEW LONDON, N.H. – The Norwich University women's basketball team started slow, scoring only 10 point in the first quarter, but erupted for 22 points in the second quarter, as they downed the Chargers 55-53 in Great Northeast Athletic Conference play Thursday evening at Colby-Sawyer.

The Cadets were led offensively by freshman Haley Brewster (Virginia Beach, Va.) with 22 points and three rebounds.  Maren McGinn (Georgia, Vt.) knocked down 4-of-8 shots from the field as she scored nine points with a game-high eight rebounds, and Skylar Burzynski (Orange, Conn.) starred coming off the bench with 13 points and four rebounds. Burzynski also had two steals and a pair of assists.

After Colby-Sawyer's defense kept the Cadets to three points in the first 5:47 of the contest, Burzynski hit a jumper to bring the Cadets to within five. The Chargers extended their lead back out to eight, but the Cadets would not be denied getting back to within three, after Rachel Botala (Grand Isle, Vt.) hit a jumper and Brewster followed 31 seconds later with a three-pointer. The Chargers would bring end the first quarter with a 17-10 advantage.

In the second quarter, Norwich erupted for 22 points in the second quarter, outscoring the Chargers 22-7 in the frame as they took a 32-24 lead into the locker room.

After the defenses of both teams were successful in the first 3:24 of the second half, Brittany Graham (Rye, N.H.) hit a free throw and Brewster followed with a jumper to give the Cadets an 11-point lead. The Chargers were able to minimize the damage however only being outscored 9-8 in the third frame.

In the fourth quarter, Norwich held the lead until 1:32 remained in the fourth quarter, when the Chargers' Emily Parent hit a three-pointer. After the next charger possession ended in a stop, Burzynski made it to the other side of the floor and found enough room to make a circus layup, giving the Cadets a 54-52 lead, that they would not relinquish.

Norwich (8-8, 6-3 GNAC) will host Saint Joseph's College on Saturday, Feb. 5 at 3 pm in Andrews Hall.  They will then visit the Monks on Monday, Feb. 7 before visiting league leading Emmanuel at 5:30 pm in Boston.