NORTHFIELD, Vt. - The Norwich University volleyball team fell in a competitive non-conference bout to Fisher College on Friday evening, dropping three sets (14-25, 17-25, 8-25) against the Falcons inside Andrews Gymnasium.

The game marked the second annual Dig Pink contest for the Cadets, who partnered with The Side-Out Foundation to raise awareness for breast cancer.  Friday's festivities included a post-game serving contest, while both teams were adorned with pregame pink warm-ups.

After an early Fisher rally to open the first frame, the Cadets rolled, rattling off seven straight points to seemingly take control.  It was not to be, however, as the Falcons responded to create a back-and-forth affair.  Despite Norwich maintaining a 13-12 lead, Fisher resumed authority, embarking on a late run to claim victory in the first set.

The second set played out much of the same, as both teams exchanged leads and ties before Norwich capitalized on attacking errors by Fisher to take a 14-11 victory.  The Falcons' offense subsequently ignited, outscoring the Cadets, 14-3, to take the second stanza.

Fisher could not be stopped in the third set despite Norwich scooping up early points to remain close.

Bella Belldina Ray (Martinsburg, W.Va.) and Abby Kanaga (Apopka, Fla.) led the Cadets with four kills apiece, while Ava Nihill (Marshfield, Mass.) divvied out 13 assists.  Lillie Ells (Centerville, Mass.) and Autumn Parkhurst (Parish, N.Y.) each recorded 10 digs on the night.

The Cadets now hit the road for their next eight games, first traveling to Bristol, R.I., on Saturday, Oct. 12 for a 1:00 p.m. showdown with Roger Williams University.  Norwich's next home game will be on Nov. 2, when they celebrate Senior Day with a weekend tri-match against Lasell University and Dean College.