Castine, ME - Northern Vermont University-Lyndon led for much of the early going of Saturday's North Atlantic Conference women's basketball game at Maine Maritime Academy.  The Hornets were unable to keep the advantage, however, as MMA took control in the second quarter and cruised to a 79-40 victory.  With the win the Mariners improved to 13-5 on the season.  MMA is unbeaten in nine conference starts.  Lyndon falls to 9-10 on the season and 2-8 in conference.

Jacquelin Castro came of the bench to lead MMA with a game high 26 points on 11/12 shooting and eight rebounds.  Maria Barela added 13 points and seven rebounds and Lauren Plissey chipped in wih 12 points.  Sage Smith (Colebook, NH) was the only Lyndon player to reach double figures, as she finished with 15 points.

The Mariners were 32/63 (50.8%) from the floor, but only 4/23 (17.4%) from three-point range.  the Hornets were only 15/54 (27.8%) from the floor and only 3/16 (18.8%) from long range.  MMA dominated the game on the glass, outrebounding Lyndon 49-17.

Despite Saturday's loss, Lyndon secured a spot in the NAC quarterfinals by virtue of Husson University's victory over Thomas College and the University of Maine at Presque Isle's victory over the University of Maine at Farmington.  The quarterfinal round of the NAC tournament will be played on Friday, Feburary 17th, on the home courts of the East and West Division regular season champions.

The Hornets will play next on Tuesday evening when they travel to Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts for a non-conference contest.  Tip-of is scheduled for 5:00 pm.