NORTHFIELD, Vt. - The Norwich University volleyball team fell to Rivier University in a three-set affair (14-25, 12-25, 19-25) in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) action on Tuesday night in Andrews Hall.

The Cadets got off to a quick start, courtesy of a bad Rivier set and a service ace from Sam Lebruska (Lynnfield, Mass.).  Although the Raiders rebounded and subsequently claimed the lead, Norwich stayed within striking distance, trimming Rivier's lead down to four before the Raiders ran away with the first set.

Despite a hot Rivier start to the second, the Cadets again hung around, as a Lillie Ells (Centerville, Mass.) kill brought Norwich to within one, 8-7.  The Rivier offense exploded, however, embarking on a handful of runs to capture the second set.

Norwich's closest effort came in the third set, where, despite Rivier holding on to the lead, the Cadets narrowed the advantage on several occasions, including on a pair of Abby Kanaga (Apopka, Fla.) kills.  Norwich constantly remained a threat, even as Rivier was in match point territory, but an attack error and a Lebruska kill was not enough to spur a late-game run.

Kanaga paced the offense with five kills, while Ava Nihill (Marshfield, Mass.) divvied out 14 helpers.  Autumn Parkhurst (Parish, N.Y.) tallied 13 digs.

Norwich will continue its three-game homestand on Friday, Oct. 20, with a 6:00 p.m. conference duel against Johnson & Wales University.