WILLIMANTIC, Conn. – The Vermont State University Castleton women's basketball team fell in a close battle with Eastern Connecticut State University on the road Saturday afternoon, losing 62-58.
The first quarter of play was competitive, with the score tied twice before Castleton was able to put together an 11-2 run to go up by nine points (15-6). Eastern Connecticut answered with a 10-2 run of its own to make it a one-point contest with 1:07 remaining in the quarter, 17-16.
Schuylar Nolan drained a triple as time ran out to build her squad's lead back to four points, 20-16.
Castleton carried its momentum into the second as
Stasia Epler sank a three-pointer to open it, putting the Spartans up 23-16. The hosts went on to outscore Castleton 12-5 to tie the game at 28-all with 2:03 remaining. Epler converted a trip to the free-throw line at the 1:16 mark to put the Spartans ahead 30-28, but the Warriors answered with a basket nine seconds later, tying the game at 30-30 heading into the break.
Eastern Connecticut went on a 13-0 run to open the second half and take its first lead of the contest.
Luna Perry-St. Peter slowed down the Warriors' roll when she scored on a layup, assisted by
Emily Adams at 4:39 (43-32). The teams traded a couple of blows to close out the quarter, with the score at 47-36 in favor of the Warriors.
It took just nine seconds for the Spartans to open the fourth quarter with an
Arianna Coombs jumper, again assisted by Adams. This was the start of a 13-8 run in favor of Castleton, cutting the deficit to four points with four minutes remaining, 55-51. Perry-St. Peter made it a one-possession game with 22 seconds left, bringing the score to 59-58. Late foul trouble halted the squad's momentum, as they gave up three points on free throws, ultimately losing the contest, 62-58.
Epler led the Spartans' offensive efforts with 21 points, while Adams was the strongest rebounder with 11 boards. Adams paired her rebounds with six points and three assists. The only other Spartan to score in double figures was Nolan, with 10 points, going a perfect 2-of-2 from distance.
Castleton remains on the road as it faces UMass Boston for a 5 p.m. Little East matchup with the Beacons.
