NORTHFIELD, Vt. - Despite a trio of double-digit scorers, the Norwich University women's basketball team could not hold on in the waning minutes of their Senior Day showdown with Lasell University, falling to the Lasers, 70-64, in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) action on Saturday afternoon.

Sage MacAuley (Barre, Vt.) paced the effort with a career-showing, pouring in a season-best 22 points on a 61.5% clip while hauling down 10 caroms and snagging three steals.  Haley Brewster (Virginia Beach, Va.) knocked down four treys to tally 18 points, while Maren McGinn (Georgia, Vt.) powered through inside, posting a 16-point, 19-rebound double-double.

The Lasers appeared prime to roll early on, swiftly building a 12-2 lead just two and a half minutes into the contest.  Norwich did not turn away, whittling the advantage down and eventually taking advantage on a 14-2 run.

Both teams exchanged baskets to open the second quarter before the Cadets erased a one-point deficit en route to capturing a double-digit lead, as a slew of baskets from MacAuley and Brewster led to a 12-point edge.  The Lasers found some life before the break, bringing Norwich's commanding lead down to eight.

The Cadets kept the Lasers at bay, never allowing the visitors to reclaim the advantage throughout the third quarter.  The start of the fourth quarter followed a similar theme, as clutch buckets from McGinn and MacAuley kept Norwich ahead.  It was not to be, however, as the Lasers ended the contest on a 13-0 run to steal the victory.

Prior to tip-off, the Norwich women's basketball program celebrated the careers and accomplishments of Silas Bernier (Jaffrey, N.H.) and Rachel Botala (Grand Isle, Vt.), as well as team photographer Jasmine Olson.

The Cadets will head into the final week of the regular season and prepare for Saint Joseph's College of Maine, as the Monks will come to Andrews Hall for a 5:00 p.m. bout on Tuesday, Feb. 13.  Norwich then closes the week at Mitchell College on Saturday, Feb. 17.