NORTHFIELD, Vt. – Sparked by the play of a pair of seniors, Norwich University turned in a critical 16-12 Great Northeast Athletic Conference win over Lasell April 17. Norwich improved to 8-0 on the season and 6-0 in GNAC play, while the Lasers fell to 12-2 overall and 7-1 in GNAC contests.

Lasell got four goals and two assists from sophomore Britney Wuorio (Bolton, Mass.), Rebecca Stanton (Agawam, Mass.) added three goals, while Ashley Slattery (Weymouth, Mass.) and Bridget Ryan (Chatham, N.J.) each tallied two goals on the day.

Senior midfielder Mollie Fitzpatrick (Falmouth, Me.) scored five goals, dished out two assists and finished with seven points, each team highs for the Cadets. Kacey Abbriano (Hicksville, N.Y.) and Grace Fitzpatrick (Falmouth, Me.) each registered three goals, while senior attacker Suzanne Whitaker (Chelmsford, Mass.) ended with two scores.

Norwich's Fitzpatrick tallied the game's first score 41 seconds off a free position attempt and the teams combined for seven goals in the opening 10 minutes, with the hosts ahead, 4-3. The Cadets were able to build a 6-3 lead with less than 14 minutes to go in the first half and increased it to 9-5 at halftime. Back-to-back goals gave the home side a quick six-goal advantage early in the second half. Lasell, seeking its 12^th straight win, battled back with behind a goal from Stanton and a pair from Wuorio to make it 11-8. Norwich answered with three straight scores, to move the lead back to 14-8, while the visitors countered with three successive goals to make it 14-11 with 3:38 to play.

Norwich's busy week resumes Thursday, April 19, with a 4 pm game at St. Joseph's College of Maine. Lasell closes its regular season with a league clash at Mount Ida Saturday, April 21.