CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton women's basketball team fought hard but was ultimately edged out by Keene State College in a 54-49 loss on Tuesday evening.

The game got off to a quick start, with Schuylar Nolan putting the Spartans on the board with an early layup. Keene State answered right back with a three-pointer to take a 3-2 lead. Both teams struggled to score over the next five minutes, until Emily Adams broke the dry spell with a layup to give Castleton a 4-2 advantage. The Spartans then went on an 11-2 run, closing the first quarter with an eight-point lead, 13-5.

The second quarter was a back-and-forth affair, as both teams traded baskets without managing to make a significant run. The turning point came at 5:36 when Nolan drained a three-pointer, sparking a roar from the Glenbrook Gymnasium crowd and giving the Spartans a 21-14 lead. However, Keene State responded with a 7-4 run, cutting the Castleton lead to four points at halftime, 25-21.

Keene State continued to keep it close in the third quarter. The Owls put together a 7-point run to tie the game at 37-37 with 1:19 remaining. Just 10 seconds later, Stasia Epler hit a clutch three-pointer to put the Spartans back on top, 40-37. The quarter ended with Keene State cutting the deficit to one point, 40-39, after Angel Pillsbury hit a free throw.

Keene State took control in the final quarter, starting with a three-pointer from Pillsbury at 8:31 to give the Owls a 42-40 lead. The Owls went on a 7-point run, extending their lead to 46-42. Luna Perry-St. Peter's free throw halted the run briefly, making it 46-43. However, Keene State added a layup and a three-pointer to push their lead to nine points. Castleton fought back, as Adams made two free throws and Maggie McKearin went 1-for-2 from the line to bring the Spartans within four points, 51-47, with 27 seconds left, forcing a Keene timeout. Both teams traded free throws in the final moments, and Keene State held on for a 54-49 victory.

Epler led Castleton with 14 points and nine rebounds, including eight defensive boards. Adams also scored 14 points and was a force on defense, grabbing four defensive rebounds, recording two blocks, and adding a steal. Nolan nearly recorded a double-double, finishing with nine points and nine rebounds, along with three assists and a block.

Vermont State University Castleton will be back in action on Saturday, traveling to UMass Dartmouth for a 12 p.m. tipoff.