Lyndonville, VT- The Vermont State University Lyndon women's basketball team won the Vermont State University Tip-Off Classic championship by defeating New England College in dominating fashion by a score of 71-45. The Hornets improved to 2-1 on the season, while the Pilgrims fell to 3-2.

The Hornets took control of the game early with another great defensive effort.  Lyndon held the Pilgrims to only six points in the second quarter to establish firm control of the game.  NEC shot only 28% from the floor and only made three three-point shots throughout the entire game. The Hornets also forced 17 Pilgrim turnovers. 

On top of the strong defensive effort, the Hornets also shot the ball well, connecting on 50% of their shots from the field and 38% from behind the three point line. Lyndon had four players in double digits.  Senior guard Sage Smith (Colebrook, NH) and Junior guard Kadienne Whitcomb (West Burke, VT) were the leading scorers for the Hornets with 17 points each.  They were followed by Senior guard Kerigan Disorda (Benson, VT) who had a career high with 14 points and Junior forward Kiara Mack (Milton, VT) who scored 10 points. 

The leading scorer for NEC was Abigail Lacy with 14 points.

Lyndon guard Ella Huntington (Taylorsville, UT) was named the Classic's Most Valuable Player.  She was joined on the All-Tournament Team by Disorda, NEC's Bailey Burke, Yvonne Roberge of Vermont State University Randolph, and Riann Fortin of Vermont State University Johnson.  Randolph defeated Johnson, 53-47, in the consolation game.

The Hornets' next matchup will be on Wednesday at 6:00 pm, when they host the Clarkson University Golden Knights.