JOHNSON, VT. – The Johnson State College women's basketball team defeated Nichols College 77-68 in their season opener on Tuesday night at Carter Gym.
The Badgers start the season 1-0, while the Bison fall to 0-1.
1st Quarter
The Bison jumped out to an early lead, owning a 12-4 advantage midway through the first quarter. Brooke Packard led Nichols with nine points in the frame, which ended with a 21-13 Bison lead.
2nd Quarter
Johnson State kept pace with Nichols in the second quarter, with Nicole Menard (Milton, Vt.) leading the Badgers with five points in the period and Kasey DeGreenia (Concord, Vt.) chipping in four more. The Bison maintained their lead however, and took a 39-28 advantage into the break.
3rd Quarter
The Badgers came storming back in the third, led by eight points apiece from Menard and Sarah Voorhis (Nashua, N.H.). Johnson dominated the boards in the frame, outrebounding Nichols 12-5. The Badgers outscored the Bison 29-16 in the third, taking a 57-55 lead into the final quarter.
4th Quarter
Johnson State's defense put Nichols away in the fourth, allowing only five points over the first eight minutes of the frame. The Badgers defensive success was again a result of strong rebounding, with Johnson holding a 17-7 advantage in the fourth. DeGreenia made six of seven free throws down the stretch for Johnson to lead them to the 77-68 victory.
Johnson Leaders
All five Johnson starters recorded double-digit points, with DeGreenia pacing the squad with 16. The senior captain also pulled in 12 rebounds to record the double-double. Ashley Goddard (Jamaica, Vt.) also recorded a double-double with a 11 point 10 rebound effort. Domonique Carter-Stanley (Norwalk, Conn.) added 13 points, as well as eight steals and five assists. Menard and Voorhis chipped in 15 and 14 points respectively for the Badgers.
Nichols Leaders
Taylor Daniels scored a game-high 21 points to go along with 12 rebounds for the Bison. Packard and Brittany Donovan also contributed for Nichols, scoring 14 and 11 points, respectively.
Stat Breakdown
The Badgers held a 53-44 advantage in rebounds, including 23 offensive boards to Nichols 12. Johnson forced 24 turnovers while turning the ball over 17 times themselves. Nichols was solid from outside with a 47.4% 3-point percentage, while Johnson shot 36.4% from beyond the arc.
Next Up
The Badgers will travel to Newton, Massachusetts this weekend for the Mustang Classic, hosted by Mount Ida. Johnson will take on Elms on Saturday, November 19th at 5:00 p.m., then face Bay Path on Sunday, November 20th at 1:00 p.m.