CASTLETON, Vt. – The Norwich University women’s basketball team suffered a 69-45 setback against Castleton University in both team’s season-opener at Glenbrook Gymnasium on Tuesday evening in non-conference action.

Haley Brewster (Virginia Beach, Va.) led the way in the losing effort, posting a strong double-double with 25 points and 15 rebounds, drilling five three-pointers in the process.  Skylar Burzynski (Orange, Conn.) followed in the scoring column, tallying eight points to go with a team-best four assists.

The Spartans charged out of the gates, taking an 8-0 lead that gradually grew to double-digits.  A Brewster trey with a minute and a half left in the second quarter brought the Cadets back within nine, before back-to-back baskets by Castleton gave the Spartans a 35-22 edge at the intermission.

A 13-2 run by the Spartans to open the third quarter would keep the Cadets at bay, despite four points in the final stanza by freshman Mallorie Chalmers (Milton, Vt.) to help Norwich stay afloat.  Seven of Brewster’s 25 came in the closing 10 minutes, where Castleton took its largest lead of 31 at the 3:27 mark.

Kelly Vuz was Castleton’s primary offensive weapon, drilling five long-range bombs to finish with 17 points.  Liz Bailey hauled in a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double.

The Cadets will look to scoop up their first win of the new season on Thursday, hosting Thomas College in the friendly confines of Andrews Hall.  Tip-off is slated for 5:30 p.m.