CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton women's basketball team opened the new year with a thrilling 63-54 victory over Russell Sage College, Saturday afternoon.
The Basics:
- Final Score: 63-54 Castleton
- Location: Castleton, Vt. – Glenbrook Gym
- Records: 4-7 Castleton | 5-4 Russell Sage
How it Happened:
Castleton found themselves in a six-point deficit to start the first quarter, before
Stasia Epler knocked down a jump shot to put the Spartans on the board two minutes in (2-6). 30 seconds later,
Emily Adams dished out a pass to Epler, who drained a three-pointer, bringing Castleton within one (5-6). Adams gave Castleton the lead with seven minutes to go off of two made free throws, with
Schuylar Nolan draining a layup shortly after, giving Castleton a three-point lead (9-6). The Gators went on a seven-point run, with Adams ending the drought for the Spartans with a jump shot, as Castleton worked to regain the lead. Nolan made a free throw in the final four seconds of the first frame, as the Gators led 20-17 heading into the second quarter.
The Spartan defense went to work in the second frame, allowing Russell Sage to score just four points in 10 minutes. Castleton caused nine turnovers through the quarter, with four steals, two from both
Maggie McKearin and Nolan. A good layup from Adams gave Castleton the largest lead of the day with a minute and a half to go in the quarter (28-22). Two Gator free throws cut the lead to four before Nolan knocked down a free throw, putting the Spartans up 29-24 heading into halftime.
At the start of the third frame, Russell Sage took a four-minute lead, but Adams tied it at 36 with a layup. Adams then added another layup to put Castleton ahead by six. The Gators answered with a three-pointer, regaining the lead at 43-42 with under two minutes left in the quarter. Epler drove to tie it at 44 with 31 seconds left. In the final second,
Arianna Coombs scored a layup to give Castleton a 46-44 lead at the end of the quarter.
Castleton found success with fast breaks in the fourth quarter, scoring six points this way. Leading by six with five minutes left, Castleton focused on defense as Russell Sage closed the gap to one point. In the final 17 seconds, Castleton hit all four of its free throw attempts, clinching the 63-54 victory.
By the Numbers:
- Coombs led the team with her second double-double of the season, posting a team-high and career-high 16 rebounds with 14 points.
- Epler contributed 14 points, with four rebounds, while Adams had 12 points, with seven rebounds, and three assists.
What's Next
The Spartans return to Little East Conference play on Thursday, January 8, against Plymouth State in Glenbrook Gym at 4:30 p.m.
