CASTLETON, Vt – The Vermont State University Castleton women's basketball team dropped a closely contested matchup with the Wolves of Western Connecticut State University Monday night, falling 81-77.

The Basics:

• Final Score: 81-77 WestConn
• Location: Castleton, Vermont – Glenbrook Gym
• Records: 9-13 (4-9 LEC) WestConn | 5-16 (1-11 LEC) Castleton

How it Happened:
Maggie McKearin gave Castleton its first lead of the night with a layup two minutes into the first quarter, putting the Spartans up one (6-5). Schuylar Nolan retook the lead for Castleton 20 seconds later with a layup, but the Wolves countered with a three-pointer as they led 10-8. Castleton finished the quarter on the wrong side of a 12-2 run as WestConn was up 22-12 at the end of one.

The Spartans found themselves down 12 with five minutes to go in the first half, as Emily Adams worked to cut the lead down with two free throws, followed by Stasia Epler scoring back-to-back layups as the lead was now eight (33-25). Before time ran out, McKearin dished out a pass to Epler, who drained a three before the buzzer as Castleton was down 39-32 heading into the half.

Arianna Coombs notched an and one with six minutes to go in the third frame, pulling the Spartans within five (47-42). The two teams traded baskets back and forth for three minutes before the Wolves started to pull away. Isabelle Cole worked to cut the lead with a three-pointer with a minute to go in the quarter, but the Wolves ended the frame with a three-pointer of their own, taking a 14-point lead (60-55).

The fourth quarter saw the Spartans go on a 15-4 run in the first eight minutes as Nolan tied the game at 73 with two and a half minutes to play. The Wolves scored on a layup before Adams lay in two free throws, tying the game again with one and a half minutes to go. WestConn scored off a layup to go up two as the Spartans fouled with three seconds left, resulting in two knocked-down free throws by the Wolves to take the 81-77 victory.

By the Numbers:

• Adams led the Spartans with 25 points and five rebounds, going a perfect 9-9 from the free throw line.
• Epler went 4-8 from the three-point line, scoring 19 points.

What's Next
The team continues its homestand on Wednesday, February 11, as they host UMass Boston for an LEC double-header with the men's team. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m.