Story courtesy of Joseph Frey, Southern Vermont College Sports Information Director

BENNINGTON, Vt. – The Southern Vermont College women’s basketball team played host to New England Collegiate College opponent Lesley University losing 71-44 in the Field House Thursday night. Senior Hailee Lowe (HAMILTON, Mass./Hamilton-Wenham Regional) led all scorers with 16 points as the Lynx controlled the tempo most of the game.

The loss drops SVC to 3-17 overall and 2-10 in the Conference, while the win improves Lesley’s record to 9-8 overall and 8-2 in the NECC.

Junior forward Kaitlyn Wechsler (MERRICK, N.Y./Our Lady of Mercy Academy), seven points on the night, and Lowe got Lesley off on the right foot as the Lynx were up 7-0 in the first three minutes of the game. A trey by sophomore guard Alyssa Davis (five points) courtesy of a nice pass by guard Joa Claircius got the Mountaineers going. Subsequently Lesley went on a 12-2 run as it shot the lights out as Southern Vermont was down 39-19 at the break.

In the second half SVC could only fight to within 19 points of the Lynx whose great ball control and patience on offense paved the way to an amazing shooting night as it shot 40% from the field, 43% from three-land, and 90% from the charity stripe. Aside from the shooting it was an even spread with fouls (LU 14, SVC 15), turnovers (20 each), and rebounds (LU 44, SVC 47).

Freshman guard Katie Rathman (READING, Pa./Exeter Township Senior) had a solid night draining 4-of-8 from three-land for 12 points for the Lynx. Center Brianne Caira (PELHAM, N.H./Pelham) contributed a well-rounded game as she posted seven points, nine rebounds, and four assists. Senior Jodi Fralick (WOBURN, Mass./Woburn) had a game-high six assists and sophomore Jenna Fralick (WOBURN, Mass./Woburn) had eight points and five rebounds to round out the Lesley offense.

Claircius finished the night with 12 points tied for a team high with forward Rachel Pannell. Freshman forward Christie Henry was one point away from another double-double with nine points and 11 boards.

The Mountaineers are back in action Saturday, February 6th, when it hosts the Becker College Hawks for a 1:00 p.m. tip-off.  Lesley will host NECC rival Wheelock College on Saturday, February 6th at 5:00 p.m.