JOHNSON, VT – The Vermont State University Johnson Women's Basketball team returned to the court Saturday afternoon, hosting SUNY Morrisville. Before tipoff, seniors students Matea Smith and Emily Ward were honored for their many contributions to the program.
The Johnson Badgers struck first in the game with two quick layups by Gabby Wardwell in the opening minute, claiming her territory under the rim. Morrisville's Mustangs responded with two threes to take the lead at 6-4, but Wardwell proved her skills from the line, going three-for-four in the following plays to regain the lead. Morrisville capitalized on their three point ability, dropping their third of the afternoon to account for all nine of their points thus far, taking the lead once again at 9-7. No to be outdone, a defensive rebound by Faith Meade followed by a fast break evened the score with a made layup, highlighting how evenly matched the opening quarter would play. The clock struck zero for the first with a score of 12-11, in favor of the Mustangs. The gap widened over the course of the second quarter, as the Mustangs increased their pace to enter halftime ahead 38-21. At the break, Gabby Wardwell led the game with 11 points and 12 rebounds, alongside five points contributed by teammates Emily Ward and four by Faith Meade.
After Morrisville opened the second half with a three, Johnson came out swinging with a 9-0 run to shrink the deficit to 12 (42-30), with eight of those points coming from Wardwell. After falling to 17 under, the Badgers responded once again with a 6-0 run to bring the difference back to eleven, with two jumpers from Matt House and one added by Wardwell. Back-to-back baskets by Sasha Khomutetsky, a long two and a three-pointer, brought the Badgers within eight with 1:48 to go in the game. Despite outscoring the Mustangs 29-27 in the second half, Morrisville would ultimately pull away with the victory at 63-50.
Notes: Gabby Wardwell scored a career-high 30 points alongside her 23 rebounds.
Women's Basketball returns to action on Saturday, February 7 as the Badgers travel to face Central Maine CC. Gametime is scheduled for 5:00 pm.