WOMEN'S BASKETBALL NOTEBOOK
The Catamounts continue the 2020-21 campaign this weekend as they face NJIT (1-5, 1-1) for the first time as America East rivals at 4 p.m. on Sunday and 2 p.m. on Monday. Vermont's first road trip of the campaign will be broadcast live on ESPN+ The action can also be heard on AM 620/96.3 FM WVMT with the voice of the Catamounts Maura Sheridan on the call.
 
RELATED LINKS
Game Notes (.pdf) | Live Video | International Stream
Live Stats | Weekly Press Conference
 
OLSON NAMED AMERICA EAST ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
First-Year forward Anna Olson was named America East Rookie of the Week after an impressive debut weekend against UMass Lowell for the Catamounts. Olson earned her first career double-double on Sunday with 11 points and 10 rebounds in Vermont's 61-56 win over the River Hawks. She also had one steal, one block and an assist. In her collegiate debut last Saturday she chipped in eight points.
 
Last season sophomore guard Emma Utterback was named America East Rookie of the Week three times.
 
LAST CHANCE IN THE GARDEN STATE
Barring a playoff rematch in New Jersey Sunday and Monday will be senior co-captain and Lincroft, New Jersey native Josie Larkins final games in the state. The Catamounts are 1-1 in action from New Jersey in her career, winning at NJIT in 2018 and falling to Rider in 2017.  Larkins was a four-year letter winner and three-year starter in basketball at Red Bank Catholic the same high school Mayer Women's Basketball Coach Alisa Kresge played for.
 
SCOUTING THE HIGHLANDERS
The Highlanders are 1-5 this season but that includes four losses by six points or less. On December 5 NJIT won its first-ever America East game 78-57 at UNH. In the second game the Wildcats prevailed 59-53.
 
Sophomore guard Kenna Squier leads the team in scoring with 10.8 points-per game. She is also the team leader in assists (3.0 APG) and steals (1.0 SPG).
 
A key component to the NJIT offense is three-point shooting. Seven Highlanders have made 38.5% or better of their shots from downtown. In NJIT's victory at UNH they shot 50% from three (9-for-18) including three converted attempts from senior guard Ellyn Stoll.
 
SERIES HISTORY
The Catamounts and Highlanders have met four times previously with Vermont winning all four contests. Last season Vermont defeated NJIT 65-59 at Patrick Gym. UVM used a 9-0 run in the first quarter and didn't look back leading the rest of the way. The Catamount starting five scored all 65 points in the contest including 13 points from Josie Larkins and 12 from Sarah Wells.
 
In the Catamounts, last trip to the NJIT Wellness and Events Center they won a 71-63 decision over the Highlanders on December 2, 2018.
 
LEADERSHIP GROUP
Lone senior Josie Larkins and junior Sarah Wells will serve as co-captains for the Catamounts during the 2020-21 campaign. Mayer Women's Basketball Head Coach Alisa Kresge on the duo, "Both were picked by their teammates and their coaches which says a lot about them. They provide our team with different leadership qualities and embody what our program represents. From a coach's stand point we demand a lot of them, we rely on them and challenge them at all times. They have proven to be great examples for our young team."
 
BE A PART OF THE CROWD AT PATRICK THIS YEAR
Miss being in the stands at Patrick Gym this season? You can still be a part of the action by purchasing a cutout version of yourself or pet to be displayed the entire season. For more information visit go.uvm.edu/cutouts.
 
Rise To The Top is the presenting sponsor of the 2020-21 women's basketball season.