NORTHFIELD, Vt. – The Norwich University women's soccer team battled throughout Saturday afternoon but was unable to find the back of the net, falling 3-0 to Lasell University in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) action at Lasell.
Norwich goalkeeper Sophie Olivo (Sanford, Maine) kept the Cadets within striking distance early, making three saves during the opening 45 minutes as Lasell generated 11 first-half shots. Norwich's best opportunities came from Sophie Guarriello (Barre, Vt.), who fired a pair of shots during the opening half.
After nearly 30 minutes of scoreless action, Lasell broke through in the 31st minute finding the back of the net to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage. Olivo continued to keep Norwich within a goal heading into halftime, making a handful of saves.
The Cadets came out of the halftime break looking to equalize, with Lily Briggs (Fair Haven, Vt.) testing the Lasell defense early in the second half. Norwich continued to compete for possession and generate opportunities, but the Lasers' defensive unit limited the Cadets' chances in the attacking third.
Lasell doubled its lead in the 61st minute.Olivo made a save on the initial sequence, but the Lasers finished the follow-up to push the Lasers' advantage to 2-0.
Norwich continued to battle, with Heidi Smith (Sammamish, Wash.) and Briggs each looking to create chances in the attacking third. The Cadets also earned a corner late in the match as they attempted to generate a chance to get back into the contest.
Lasell added a third goal in the 68th minute when they converted a penalty kick, extending the lead to 3-0. Norwich continued to push forward over the final 20 minutes, but the Lasell goalkeeper turned aside the Cadets' final attempts to preserve the shutout.
Olivo finished the afternoon with six saves despite the road loss.
Norwich returns to Sabine Field on Tuesday, Sept. 22, hosting Simmons University in a GNAC matchup at 4 p.m.
