JOHNSON, Vt. - The Norwich University women's volleyball team could not contain a slew of Vermont State University Castleton rallies, falling to the Spartans, 3-0 (20-25, 16-25, 23-25), on Saturday morning at the Vermont Volleyball Classic at Carter Gymnasium.

The Cadets got off to a swift start, rattling off four-straight points and maintaining a narrow advantage throughout the opening frame.  Holding on to a 20-19 lead, Norwich saw the first of several Spartan surges throughout the morning, as VTSU Castleton amassed six-straight points to claim the first set.

The second and third sets saw VTSU Castleton rush ahead behind a pair of seismic runs, but Norwich would not go away quietly.  Facing a 20-13 hole, the Cadets erupted for a 10-4 run to force a 24-23 game, but the Spartans sealed the deal before Norwich could garner any further momentum and force a fourth set.

Abby Kanaga (Apopka, Fla.) led the team with five kills, while Autumn Parkhurst (Parish, N.Y.) handed out seven helpers.  Cameryn Jenkins (Monroe, Mich.) paced Norwich in digs with 16.

Norwich will return to action on Saturday, Sept. 7, traveling to Salem State University for a non-conference tri-match.  The Cadets will first battle the host Vikings at 11:00 a.m., before taking on the University of New England at 1:00 p.m. in Salem, Mass.