NORTHFIELD, Vt. - Johnson State College women's basketball struggled to score over the first 15 minutes of the game as the Badgers were defeated 68-41 at Norwich University on Sunday.  The Badgers are now 1-3 overall while the Cadets improve to 3-0.

Johnson was led by freshman guard Mary Richardson (Vernon, Vt./Brattleboro) who scored a team-high 21 points to go with six rebounds.  Sophomore guard Brittany Robertson (Burlington, Vt./Burlington) (pictured) was also in double-figures with 10 points while also collecting a game-high six steals.

Twelve of 13 players scored for Norwich led by Aliah Curry and Kelsey Lotti who each had 11 points.  Curry added six rebounds and four assists.  Jessalyn Sweeney added seven points and game-high 11 rebounds.

The NU defense was suffocating early holding Johnson to just one field goal over the first 14:06 and taking a 27-2 lead.  The Badgers were able to win the final 5:54 12-10 to make the score 37-14 going into the half.

Johnson kept momentum and after back-to-back 3-point field goals by Robertson and Richardson had the margin at 16 points with 14:50 to play at 43-27.

Norwich would regain control and win their home opener behind a defensive effort that held Johnson to 22% (13-58) from the field.

The Badgers defensive effort on the day was steady as well holding the hosts to 31% (24-78) shooting from the field and 14% (3-21) from the 3-point line.  Where JSC struggled was collecting those forced misses as NU would earn a commanding 68-32 rebounding advantage with 29 of those boards on the offensive end.

Johnson will return home for another non-conference match up with Vermont Technical College on Tuesday night at 5:30 before opening North Atlantic Conference (NAC) play on Thursday at home versus New England College, also at 5:30 pm.

Norwich moves on to face Colby-Sawyer College at home on Tuesday at 5:30 pm.