JOHNSON, Vt.-The Northern Vermont University-Johnson women's basketball team hosted Lasell University on Saturday afternoon in a non-conference game in Carter Gymnasium. The Lasers late run proved to be the difference and beat the Badgers by a score of 70-54.
Sophomore Klaire Ware and senior Lindsey LaPerle led the way for the Badgers both scoring in double figures. Ware had a team high 11 points, four rebounds and one assist and LaPerle added 10 points and four rebounds.
After the initial 11-2 Laser run, the Badgers found a rhythm and brought the game within eight in the beginning of the second period. Peyton Young scored a game high 23 points on an impressive 7-11 mark from the field. Teammate Amanda Ortiz added 22 points and eight rebounds.
At the break the Badgers trailed the Lasers 34-24. In the third quarter a made jumper by Ware off an assist from Halie Tillotson brought the Badgers within single digits. Tilotson ignited a run for the Badgers off an offensive board followed by a made jumper to close the deficit to three points forcing a Laser timeout. In the third stint of action it was the Badgers who outplayed the Lasers outscoring them in the quarter 22-17. Key baskets from Ware, LaPerle and a Laser foul that put Amorette Rodriguez to the line brought the Badgers within as close as six points. Rodriguez also provided the Badgers with a team high nine rebounds.
The Lasers stayed composed and capitalized on opportunities to score late against an energetic and strong Badger defense in the final stint of action to secure the 70-54 victory.
Both teams were even on the turnover battle with 16 turnovers per side. The Badgers capitalized scoring 13 points off the Lasers turnovers and were successful in the open floor scoring 10 points off fast breaks.
With the loss the Badgers drop to 0-4 on the season and will travel to the Barre Auditorium on Friday, November 22 to face Norwich University at 7:00pm.