DANBURY, Conn. – The Vermont State University women's basketball team dropped its first Little East Conference contest of the season, falling 60-50 to Western Connecticut State University on Wednesday afternoon.

The opening 10 minutes were extremely competitive, seeing four lead changes before coming to an end in a 12-12 tie. Emily Dingmon and Stasia Epler each pitched in four points in the stanza.

WestConn went on a 10-2 run to gain an eight-point advantage with six minutes remaining in the half (22-14). It was Arianna Coombs and Emily Adams combined to bring an end to the run.

The Spartans strung together a seven-point run to go up 25-24 with 1:02 remaining in the second quarter, jump started by a three-pointer by Epler.

The Wolves were put up four points to end the half ahead 28-25.

WestConn was able to separate itself in the third quarter, owning at least a two-point advantage at the lowest and nine at the highest.

Quarter four continued to be close, seeing the Spartans only trail by two with 4:03 remaining on the game clock as Dingmon sank another jumper. The contest ended on a good free throw by Maggie Parker to make it 60-50.

It was Dingmon who led her team all round as she collected a team-best 16 points and nine rebounds. She went 50 percent from the field in the process. The rookie also added three steals, three assists and one block.

Each putting up 10 points a piece was Epler and Emily Adams. Epler was also strong off the boards with here eight rebounds.

VTSU Castleton will return home on Saturday as it hosts Rhode Island College for another LEC matchup, set for a 1 p.m. tipoff.