BARRE, Vt. - The Northern Vermont University-Johnson women's basketball team was defeated by Castleton University on Saturday afternoon in their second game of the Granite City Shootout hosted at the Barre Auditorium. The Spartans took an early lead and never looked back, earning the non-conference victory over the Badgers by a score of 75-37.
Sophomore Alex Barry tallied a team-high eight points and five rebounds for the Badgers. Kiana Johnson pitched in seven points and three assists while Lindsey LaPerle and Klaire Ware each pulled down seven rebounds.
The Badgers battled with the Spartans early, trading baskets before Castleton went on an 11-2 run to close the first quarter. Kiana Johnson scored a quick layup to cut the deficit to nine. Three quick baskets by the Spartans forced the Badgers to take a timeout as Castleton extended their lead to 23-8. At the break the Badgers trailed the Spartans 38-16.
The game remained in the Spartans' favor throughout the second half as the Badgers struggled to find their rhythm offensively. Outscoring the Badgers 37-21 in the second half, Castleton sealed the 75-37 win. Both teams struggled from deep each going 12.5% from behind the arc. Elise Magro scored a game high 14 points on 6-11 shooting from the field for the Spartans. Brooke Raiche and Emilee Bose added 11 points and 10 points respectively.
The Badgers will travel to Castine, Maine on Saturday, December 7th for a North Atlantic Conference matchup versus Maine Maritime Academy. The game is set to begin at 4:00pm.