WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Steph Payette scored a game-high 18 points to lead four players in double figures as the Fitchburg State College Falcons defeated the Norwich University Cadets, 79-60, in the first round of the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Tournament.

Fitchburg State, making its first appearance in the NCAA tournament, improved its record to 26-2, while Norwich finished its season at 24-4.

Tied at 9-9 seven minutes into the game, Fitchburg State used a 13-2 run over a five-minute span to take control. Michelle Ridge ignited the run with a basket, followed by four straight points from Payette. After a basket by NU's Sarah Chap, Payette scored another four points, and D'yana Delpero capped off the stretch with a three-pointer to give the Falcons a 22-11 advantage. FSC led at the half, 37-25.

A 12-2 Fitchburg State run early in the second half expanded the margin to 56-32 as the Falcons advanced to the tournament's second round.

Other Falcons in double figures were Jen Fontaine with 16 points, Diana Doyle with 13, and Delpero with 10. Fontaine shared game-high rebounding honors with Norwich's Caitlin Bailey as each had nine boards. Fontaine also passed off three assists and made four steals

Kristi Powlovich led the Cadets with 15 points. Chap added 14 and Natalie Marchese chipped in 13.