FINAL SCORE: Vermont 73, UMBC 56
ALBANY, NY – Vermont hit eight three pointers including five from senior guard Josie Larkins as they defeated UMBC 73-56 Sunday afternoon in America East action from UAlbany's SEFCU Arena. With the win Vermont improved to 3-2 in America East play while the Retrievers fell to 2-5 on the year and 2-3 in conference play.
 
RELATED LINKS
Box Score (.pdf) | CatamounTV Postgame

COACH'S QUOTE
"I thought our team did a nice job executing a game plan," said Mayer Women's Basketball Head Coach Alisa Kresge. "It was fun watching us share the basketball and seeing shots fall. 25 assists is pretty impressive. Now it's time to get back to work as we have to get ready for a tough UMBC team who will be ready for us tomorrow."

HOW IT HAPPENED

• For the second straight game the Catamounts came out flying out of the gate. Vermont hit five three-pointers in the opening quarter scoring 23 points. Josie Larkins had 11 points in the quarter for UVM.
• After a slow start to the second quarter offensively Vermont took control with a 9-1 run keyed by first-year Anna Olson. Olson was doubled in the paint and dished out to Larkins who hit another three-pointer. Then on the next possession Olson hit a tough turnaround jumper. Maddy Smith took a nice pass from Larkins and beat the halftime buzzer to put the Catamounts up 15 at the break.
• With 1:30 to go in the third quarter UMCB used a 5-0 run including a Lynn Swann three-pointer to cut the Vermont lead to 13. But the Catamounts late quarter offense converted again. Sarah Wells found Olson for a lay-in with eight seconds left and UVM took a 14-point cushion into the final frame.
• First-year guard Leiya Stuart had five points in the early portion of the fourth quarter keeping the Retrievers at bay as Vermont cruised to its second straight win.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• The Catamounts 23 point first quarter matched their highest total in a quarter this season. Vermont also had 23 in the first frame against UMass Lowell on December 20.
• Vermont assisted 25 of its 30 made field goals this afternoon. Anna Olson (5) and Maddy Smith (4) set new career-highs for helpers. Emma Utterback added a season-high seven for her.
• Vermont's 25 assists are tied for the most by a Catamounts team since posting 25 assists against Lehigh on December 20, 2013.
• Vermont's 17-point cushion marked the first time Vermont has won back-to-back games against America East opponents by 15 points or more since March 5 & 7, 2010.
• Sophomore guard Marissa McDonald scored her first points in the green and gold with a field goal in the fourth quarter.
• 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
Vermont and UMBC will face off again tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.m. from UAlbany. The contest from SEFCU Arena will be broadcast live on ESPN+. 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.