CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton women's basketball took down Norwich University, 63-55, to open is 2024-25 slate.

It was the visitors who won the opening tip-off, quickly opening a 6-2 lead on a pair of Haley Brewster 3-pointers.

The opening quarter was owned by the Cadets, seeing them lead 18-6 after 10 minutes of play.

VTSU Castleton found its footing in the second stanza, pulling together an eight-point run to trail by four with 5:46 remaining on the clock. It was again Brewster from the field who halted their momentum.

Despite Norwich's best efforts, it was unable to separate itself, as Stasia Epler put up a three assisted by Emily Adams, while Emily Dingmon was successful on an and-one to pull within two.

The gap closed as Arianna Coombs put up a layup of her own, helped along by Epler to knot it at 25 with seconds remaining in the half.

Coombs and Adams were able to carry their momentum, helping the Spartans to open a four-point lead just 1:15 into the third quarter.

The contest remained close, despite the visitors taking the lead on Brewster's third bucket from beyond the arc, 36-34. The squads continued to trade fouls and free throws through the closing minutes, seeing the score tied 38-38 after 30 minutes.

Both squads traded layups in the opening minutes of the final period to remain tired. It was Schuylar Nolan with a pair of layups that put her squad up 45-43 (7:21). Nolan's buckets were followed up by Brewster to change the score in favor of the visitors.

The Cadet's final points of the contest were scored by Brewster who finished the day 6-for-10 from three, helping her team to lead 55-54 with 2:40 remaining.

The Spartans went on a nine-point run to claim its victory, seeing Dingmon and Epler both posting layups and a pair of free throws, capped off by an Adams free throw.

VTSU Castleton dominated off of second-chance points, collecting 15 points this way. It was first-years Dingmon and Maggie Parker, each posting four offensive boards, to led the charge.

Parker had a stellar outing in her first collegiate contest, leading her squad in rebounds with 10.

It was Adams who led her team's offensive efforts tallying 18 points with two assists and four rebounds. The junior was efficient at the charity stripe, going 7-for-12.

The Spartans will return to action on Friday, November 15, as travel to take on Plattsburgh State in their first contest of the Cardinal Classic, slated for a 5:30 p.m. tip-off.