NORTHFIELD, Vt. — The Norwich University softball team continued its home stretch on Thursday afternoon, falling to intrastate foe Vermont State Castleton in a non-conference matchup.

Castleton struck first with an early run, but the Cadets responded immediately in the bottom of the first inning. Jessica Zalucki (Burnt Hills, N.Y.) led off with a triple to right field and came around to score two batters later on an RBI double by Madison DeCota (Strafford, N.H.). DeCota then crossed the plate in the next at-bat on a two-base error, pulling Norwich within one.

The Cadets took the lead in the second inning with a two-out rally. Abbigale Williams (Andover, Vt.), Josephine Whitney (Holbrook, Mass.), and Zalucki strung together three consecutive singles to load the bases before DeCota delivered a clutch two-RBI single to bring home Williams and Whitney.

Castleton answered decisively in the third inning, plating six runs to reclaim the lead. Norwich responded in the bottom half, beginning with Courtney Thomas (Strafford, N.H.) scoring on a wild pitch. After two walks and another wild pitch moved runners into scoring position, Whitney drove in Ellie Laroche (Essex, Vt.) with an RBI single. Whitney later advanced and scored on a Zalucki RBI single to keep the Cadets within striking distance.

However, Spartan reliever Madison Gould settled in over the final innings, limiting Norwich's offense and preserving the Castleton victory.

Zalucki led the Cadets at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a triple, an RBI, and a run scored. DeCota added a 2-for-4 performance with three RBIs, a run scored, and a double, while Williams (3-for-4) and Whitney (2-for-3, two runs, RBI) also turned in strong offensive efforts.

Norwich remains at home as it returns to Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) North Division play on April 4, hosting Saint Joseph's (Maine) for a doubleheader beginning at 12 p.m.