MIDDLEBURY, VT. – The upperclasswoman duo of senior middle hitter Ivana Batur (Zagreb, Croatia) and junior right side hitter Gabrielle Miller (Grove City, Ohio) combined for nine of Norwich University's 14 kills in a three-game loss to in-state rival Middlebury Sept. 14.

Batur finished with six kills, five digs and a solo block. Miller chipped in three kills, seven digs and a block assist. Other strong numbers for Coach Amanda Cuiffo's squad came from freshman setter Kassandra Jermyn (Auburn, Mass.) with 14 digs and 11 assists and freshman outside hitter Alex Palmer (South Windsor, Conn.) with 10 digs and two kills.

The Cadets, despite falling to 4-4, battled the Panthers (4-2) early, keeping game one close in a 25-21 loss. Middlebury took advantage of a strong four-hitter rotation up front to finish off the sweep with 25-14 and 25-14 decisions.

Norwich returns to Great Northeast Athletic Conference action Saturday, Sept. 17. The Maroon and Gold takes on Albertus Magnus and non-league opponent Mitchell in a triangular at the Cosgrove Marcus Messer Athletic Center on AM's campus at 1 and 3 p.m.