Farmington, ME - Northern Vermont University-Lyndon cut a 19-point second half deficit to eight midway through the second half of Saturday's North Atlantic Conference women's basketball game at the University of Maine at Farmington.  The Beavers were able to hold on, however, and come away with a 72-62 victory over the Hornets in the NAC opener for both teams.  UMF improves to 5-2 overall on the season, while Lyndon falls to 3-2.

The Hornets started well, taking an early five-point lead and holding a 20-17 advantage after one quarter.  The second quarter was tightly contested throughout, with multiple lead changes.  Sage Smith's (Colebrook, NH) layup brought the Hornets within one at 31-30.  Back to back baskets from UMF's Page Brown gave the hosts a 35-30 advantage at halftime.

The Beavers scored the first six points of the third quarter to grow their lead to double figures.  The UMF run would eventually reach 17-3, giving the home team their biggest lead at 52-33 following a Brown layup at the 3:07 mark of the quarter.

With the Beavers still holding a 17-point lead and a little more than seven mintues to go, the Hornets went on a quick 9-0 run capped by back to back baskets from Smith to get within eight with 5:35 to go.  That would be a close as Lyndon would get, however, as UMF held on for the win.

Brown led the Beavers with a game high 24 points on 10 of 13 shooting.  McKenna Brodeur and Alex Bessey also reached double figures with 18 and 16 points respectively.  Lea Crompton (Dunbarton, NH) topped three double figure scorers for the Hornets, finishing with 18 points.  Smith chipped in 17 points and Riann Fortin (Derby, VT) added 12 points.

The Hornets will host Lesley University in a non-conference matchup on Sunday afternoon.  Tip-off in Stannard Gymnasium is scheduled for 3:00 pm.