CONKLIN – The Norwich Purple Tornado faced the Sus Valley Sabers in what appeared to be a must-win for Norwich. Unfortunately, the Purple Tornado fell just short in a 53-49 deficit. With the win, the Sabers have won the STAC East division while Norwich falls to 6-12, 5-5 in the league.

This was the second time both teams had battled it out this season with Sus Valley taking the first meeting 60-50. Norwich has been a challenge to its previous opponents in the last three games, but have gone 1-3 in short margin losses.

Both teams showed confidence early on with the Sabers taking a 26-24 lead at halftime. It seemed like a defensive battle to start the second half as both teams were limited to single-digit scoring that tied the game at 33 a piece.

In a tight fourth quarter, Norwich pulled through to keep the game close, hitting big three’s when it counted from Olivia Schiraldi. The Sabers also had the same plan and it helped them take the four-point victory.

Norwich was led by Josey Ryan, who has reached great potential on the team as only an eighth grader. She scored 15 points as Senior Cameron Van Houten knocked down three three’s in the first half to finish with 13 points. Schiraldi had 11 in the loss.

Norwich will host Sidney this evening at 7:15 p.m. with two regular season games remaining.

Scores by Quarter:

NO 9 15 9 16—49

SV 11 15 7 20—53

NO: Josey Ryan 15, Cameron Van Houten 13, Olivia Schiraldi 11, Julie Turner 5, Bella Dilorio 3, Emma Urgo 2.

SV: Julia Clarke 13, Laci Lasicki 12, Ella Kariam 9, Bryn Hogan 5, Marissa Adams 4, Julia Ricci 3, Heidi Brusso 2, Hayle Warner 1.

Three-Pointers: NO 8 (Van Houten 3, Schiraldi 2, Ryan, Turner, Dilorio); SV 7 (Lasicki 3, Clarke 2, Hogan, Adams)