Lyndonville, VT - Northern Vermont University-Lyndon broke a halftime tie with a 20-8 third quarter, then held off Lesley University for a 64-57 non-conference women's basketball victory on Sunday afternoon. It was the third win in a row for the Hornets, who improved to 4-5 on the season. Lesley fell to 3-8.
Lyndon started quickly and took a 10-4 lead midway through the opening quarter following a three-pointer from Christina McKivergan (Essex, VT). The visiting Lynx would battle back, however, and when Anika Herbert connected from behind the arc, Lesley had their first lead at 15-13. Two McKivergan free throws tied things, but an Olivia Gannon layup gave the guests a 17-15 advantage after one quarter.
Lyndon could only manage a Riann Fortin (Derby, VT) free throw through the first 4:45 of the second stanza. Lesley couldn't take full advantage, however, as the Lynx could only counter with a basket and a free throw from Alexandra Kerley. Lyndon's Kerigan Disorda (Benson, VT) connected from three-point range to bring the Hornets within one. Then after a Kerley layup, Gabriella Cordova (El Paso, TX) connected from distance to pull the Hornets even at 22-22. Neither team was able to take a lead of more than two points the rest of the quarter, and they headed into halftime deadlocked at 28-28.
Lyndon came out of the halftime break on fire, as they went on an 11-0 run in the first 4:33 of the third quarter. A Disorda three pushed the Lyndon advantage to double figures at 39-28. After Sophia Torres knocked down a jumper to stop the Lyndon run, then followed with a layup, another Cordova three pushed the lead back to 10. A Fortin basket inside eventually extended the Lyndon lead to 14 before Sydnie Drezek's layup just before the buzzer sent the teams into the final quarter with Lyndonj enjoying a 12-point advantage.
The Lyndon lead got as high as 15 following Makayla Phoenix' (Houston, TX) steal and layup with 6:42 to go in the final period. With the Hornets up 13 and 2:00 to go, Lesley scored the final six points of the contest to account for the final margin.
Fortin paced Lyndon with 17 points and seven rebounds. Phoenix and Kiara Mack (Winooski, VT) also hit double figures with 10 points apiece. Kerley led Lesley with a game high 19 points and Drezek added 14. Torres posted a double double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
The Hornets are now off for final exams and the holiday season. They will return to action on Friday, January 6th, when they host SUNY Canton in a North Atlantic Conference crossover matchup. Tip-off for that game is scheduled for 5:30 pm.
