NORTHFIELD, Vt. - The Norwich University women's volleyball team sustained a 3-1 loss (14-25, 25-16, 16-25, 15-25) to the University of Saint Joseph (Conn.) in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) showdown in Andrews Gymnasium on Friday evening.

The Cadets got off to a hot start in the opening set, rolling out to a 3-1 lead but fell behind on eight-straight points by the Blue Jays.  Norwich remained close throughout the frame, but another run towards the end of the stanza pushed USJ to an opening victory.

The roles reversed in the second, as the Blue Jays captured the early advantage before Norwich embarked on a 9-1 spurt, shortly followed by a 6-0 run, to claim a double-digit lead.  Despite a late University of Saint Joseph rally, Norwich kept the momentum alive, outscoring the Blue Jays, 5-1, to win the second set.

A back-and-forth affair ensued in the third frame, as USJ asserted themselves slightly while Norwich hung within striking distance.  The Blue Jays broke open a three-point lead, however, rushing ahead to force Norwich to a deciding-fourth set.  The Cadets were unable to seal the deal, despite an early lead, as the University of Saint Joseph spoiled Norwich's Homecoming crowd.

Bella Belldina Ray (Martinsburg, W.Va.) continued her hot start to the season, tallying seven kills, while Ava Nihill (Marshfield, Mass.) handed out 11 helpers.  Lillie Ells (Centerville, Mass.) led the team in digs with 16, and Katie Finn (Peru, N.Y.) logged four service aces.

Norwich will step out of conference action for a non-conference rematch with Vermont State University Castleton on Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 6:00 p.m. in Castleton, Vt.  The Cadets then return home on Saturday, Sept. 28, for a GNAC tri-match with Simmons University and Albertus Magnus College.