Presque Isle, ME - Vermont State University Lyndon overcame a hot shooting start by the University of Maine at Presque Isle and rallied for a 58-50 North Atlantic Conference women's basketball victory on Sunday afternoon.  The Hornets improved to 5-10 on the season and 2-4 in NAC play.  UMPI fell to 3-11 on the season and 2-4 in conference.

The Owls came out of the gate firing, connecting on four first quarter three-pointers, capped by a Karen Marshall three ball that gave the hosts a 24-15 after one quarter.

The Hornet defense stiffened in the second stanza however, and held the Owls without a field goal.  A pair of free throws from Hannah Badertscher (Irasburg, VT) and Victoria Fitih (Madison, TN) cut the UMPI lead to 27-26 at halftime.

A layup from Sage Smith (Colebrook, NH) on the first possession of the second half put the Hornets in front.  The Lyndon lead grew to 35-29 following a Kiara Mack (Winooski, VT) jumper midway through the quarter, but an 8-0 Owl run capped by four straight points from Alexis Ireland put the home team back in front.  With UMPI still up one, back to back three-pointers from Smith gave Lyndon a five-point advantage heading into the final quarter.

Two Ella Huntington (Taylorsville, UT) baskets sandwiched around a Kadienne Whitcomb (East Burke, VT) layup pushed the Lyndon lead to double figures as the final quarter started.  UMPI never got closer than within seven points the rest of the way.

Smith led all scorers with 27 points, including six three-point goals.  She also recorded eight rebounds.  Whitcomb added 15 points and Kerigan Disorda (Benson, VT) dished out eight assists.

Anaira Ayala led UMPI with 15 points.  Ireland posted a double double with 14 points and 20 rebounds, and added five assists.

The Hornets return home to host NAC West leading State University of New York at Cobleskill on Friday evening.  Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 pm.