FINAL SCORE: Vermont 65, NJIT 45
NEWARK, NJ – Women's basketball earned a split of their weekend series with a dominant 65-45 win over the Highlanders Monday afternoon from the NJIT Wellness and Events Center. New Jersey native Josie Larkins and first-year guard Madelyn Roel led the way for the Catamounts with 12 points. With the win Vermont improved to 2-2 in America East play while the Highlanders fell to 2-6 on the year and 2-2 in conference play.
 
RELATED LINKS
Box Score (.pdf)
 
COACH'S QUOTE
"Proud of the way we responded after yesterday's setback," said Mayer Women's Basketball Head Coach Alisa Kresge. "We executed our game much better on both sides of the ball, ended 2020 with a solid road win and looking forward to the new year."

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Catamounts started fast, building a 12-4 advantage with an 8-0 run that included triples from Roel and Maddy Smith. Roel's three-pointer was her first collegiate field goal.
• Leiya Stuart converted back-to-back layups to extend the Vermont lead to 12 with 2:41 remaining in the opening frame. Emma Utterback and Roel added jumpers in the final minutes and UVM took a 13-point edge to the second quarter.
• In the second quarter Larkins kept the offensive pressure on the Highlanders. She converted a three-point play from the free throw line and then converted from downtown as UVM stretched its advantage to 18 at the half.
• The Catamounts scored the first eight points of the second half including another three-pointer from Roel and never looked back. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• The Catamounts 22 point first quarter was their second-highest total in a quarter this season. Vermont had 23 points in the first frame against UMass Lowell on December 20.
• Delaney Richason posted her first career double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
• Vermont's 20-point win is their largest in conference under Mayer Women's Basketball Head Coach Alisa Kresge. The margin in conference is the largest for the Catamounts since defeating UMass Lowell by 24 on February 15, 2017.
• The 20-point win on the road in conference is the largest by the Catamounts since defeating Stony Brook by 27 on January 28, 2012.
• Leiya Stuart (6 Pts) and Madelyn Roel (12 Pts) established new career-highs in points.
• When the Cats Win, Community Wins. With each Catamount win, Vermont Mutual Insurance donates $100 to a local non-profit. For 2020 they will be donating $15,000 to Spectrum Youth and Family Services. A special thank you to Vermont Mutual Insurance for their support. Vermont Mutual Insurance, protecting Vermonters since 1828. 

WHO'S NEXT
The Catamounts continue their road swing next weekend as they travel to face UAlbany in the New Year. Vermont is scheduled to face the Great Danes at 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 2 and then again on Sunday. Both games from SEFCU Arena will be broadcast live on ESPN3. Fans can also listen to the contest on WVMT AM 620/96.3 FM with Maura Sheridan on the call.
 
Rise To The Top is the presenting sponsor of the 2020-21 women's basketball season.