LYNDON CENTER, Vt. - Norwich beat Lyndon Tuesday in Division III non-conference volleyball action by a score of three sets to one. With the win the Cadets improve to 6-8 overall while the Hornets drop to 4-8.

"It was an okay match for us," said Lyndon Head Coach Sean Fisher. "We lost the first couple of sets because we didn't have the ball control we needed. You know if you don't make a good pass then you don't get anything good offensively going."

Lyndon dropped the first two sets and it looked as if Norwich was going to sweep the Hornets right out of their own gym. However, Lyndon fought back in the third set, winning 25-20 to extend the match.

Both teams continued to battle to a stalemate in the fourth. The match was tied at 16-16 before Norwich, after a Lyndon timeout, took control and sealed the 3-1 victory. Fisher continued to speak about the importance of ball control after the match.

"If we don't get a chance to have a good offensive possession – and a team like Norwich gets an easy pass – they'll run those quick sets to the outside," he said. "It's tough for our middle blockers to get a good block so it gives them (Norwich) a free swing."

Alex Palmer led the Cadets with 17 kills while Joy Piper and Abbey Greene (Exeter, R.I.) both had seven for the Hornets. Katherine Crane had an astounding 31 assists in the contest for Norwich, while Laura Drake (Hinsdale, Mass.) led Lyndon with 12.

"We see them next week and I'm hoping we can get a win back," said Fisher. "I think it was a good loss. Hopefully we learn from it."

Ashley Barski (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) had 12 digs in the match for Lyndon while Alma Turpin led the Cadets with 16.

Lyndon's next North Atlantic Conference match will be a tri-match where the Hornets will play Green Mountain College and Johnson State College. All games will be held at Carter Gymnasium on the campus of Johnson State College, with game one beginning at 10 a.m.

"Conference play is where we need to be on top of our game," he said. "We'll be ready to go this weekend."

-   By  Matthew Drew, Sports Information Assistant