BOSTON, Mass. - The Norwich University women's lacrosse team's attempt to overcome a double-digit deficit fell just short of the goal, as the Cadets endured a 17-12 loss at Emmanuel College in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) action at Clemente Field on Saturday afternoon.

Leocadia Clark (Stowe, Vt.) led the Cadets in scoring, ripping in four goals to pace six scorers.  Quinn Mustone (Medford, Mass.) tallied a hat trick, while Athena Merck (West Yarmouth, Mass.) also posted multiple goals with two.  Julia Gutke (Stockholm, Sweden), Ellie Moriarty (Stowe, Vt.), and Caitlyn Fielder (East Calais, Vt.) provided one goal each.

The Saints roared out to an early lead, securing four goals within the opening three minutes and five seconds.  Clark and Moriarty sliced the lead in half in less than a minute span shortly after, giving the Cadets life.

Emmanuel swiftly halted Norwich's momentum, drilling in eight-straight goals to claim a double-digit 12-2 edge.  The Cadets again secured momentum at a critical point, however, as Fielder struck with just 12 seconds remaining before halftime.

That goal set up a 6-3 third quarter in favor of the Cadets, who trailed 15-9 heading into the final stanza.  Mustone added a pair while Clark earned a goal to bring Norwich within three, 15-12, but the Saints defense prevented any further scoring, adding on a pair of insurance goals to prove victorious.

Norwich seized more draw controls than the Saints, claiming 17 on the day while also scooping up 22 ground balls.  Fielder won seven of those draws, while Addison Reil (East Barre, Vt.) forced four Emmanuel turnovers.

The Cadets will step out of conference play to travel to Vermont State University Castleton in a Wednesday, Mar. 27 clash scheduled for 4:00 p.m.  Norwich then returns home, hosting Lasell University on Saturday, Mar. 30.