NEWTON, Mass. - The Norwich University women's volleyball team wrapped up its final Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) tri-match of the season on Saturday afternoon, falling in straight sets to Dean College and host Lasell University at the Lasell Athletic Center.

The Cadets opened the day against the Bulldogs and delivered a spirited effort in a 3-0 setback (3-25, 21-25, 12-25).  After a tough first frame, Norwich found its rhythm in the second, building a 6-3 advantage behind a kill from Bella Belldina Ray (Martinsburg, W.Va.), an Autumn Parkhurst (Parish, N.Y.) service ace, and a finish by Isabella Vasapolli (Pepperell, Mass.).

Norwich continued to battle, holding off Dean through the midpoints of the set before a string of Bulldog points pushed Dean in front, 23-16.  The Cadets answered with their strongest run of the match, as Taylor 'Rae' Lawing (Allen, Texas) sparked a 5-0 stretch capped by three-straight kills from Charlotte Johnson (Moultonborough, N.H.) to close the gap to two.  Dean regained control to seal the set and then used a pair of extended runs in the third to secure the match.

Johnson paced Norwich with a team-high seven kills and seven digs, matching the match's top kill tally.  Parkhurst turned in another all-around effort with 10 assists, seven digs, and three aces.

In the afternoon cap, Norwich took on one of the GNAC's top programs in Lasell University, falling 3-0 (9-25, 7-25, 5-25).  The Cadets found early points in each frame, including a strong 3-0 spurt to open the third set, but the Lasers proved too strong down the stretch, using sustained pressure and clean attacking sequences to take the win.

Belldina Ray notched three kills to lead the Cadet offense, while Parkhurst and Kelsey Slane (West Sand Lake, N.Y.) each recorded three digs.

Norwich will step out of conference play for its penultimate contest of the season, traveling to the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) on Wednesday, Nov. 5, for a 6:00 p.m. match in North Adams, Mass.  The Cadets then return home to host Emmanuel College (Mass.) on Saturday, Nov. 8, for their Senior Day and regular season finale.