The University of Vermont’s women’s basketball team, the reigning America East champions, handed the University of Maine a rare home defeat against an America East opponent on January 15, with a final score of 64-53. The Black Bears are set to seek redemption at 11 a.m. Thursday when they visit Patrick Gymnasium in Burlington for their final regular-season matchup against the Catamounts.
Currently, UVM is riding high with a 19-5 overall record, boasting an impressive 8-1 in conference play. Meanwhile, UMaine holds an 11-11 overall record and a 6-3 conference standing. The Catamounts have been on a six-game winning streak, and they remain unbeaten at home, standing at 9-0 in the Patrick Gymnasium.
The recent victory marked only the fourth time in 33 games that the Black Bears have lost at home to an America East opponent over the past three years, including playoff matches. UMaine head coach Amy Vachon emphasized the need for improved defense this time around. “We really didn’t give ourselves a chance last time,” Vachon acknowledged, pointing out that their transition defense was notably weak. “They take advantage of it.”
The Catamounts outperformed the Black Bears in numerous areas during their last encounter, scoring 14-3 in fast break points and 13-2 in second-chance points, ultimately dominating the boards with a 36-23 rebound advantage, including a critical 10-4 lead in offensive rebounds.
UMaine senior forward Adrianna Smith highlighted the importance of focusing on the details, noting, “You can’t just come out and play. You have to be really smart against them because they are a really smart and talented team.” Smith, who leads America East in scoring with an average of 21.5 points per game, managed just 15 points in their previous matchup against UVM’s stellar defense.
Alongside Smith, senior guard Sarah Talon and freshman guard Lala Woods have been instrumental to the Black Bears’ performance, averaging 8.4 points each. Another vital player, senior guard Asta Blauenfeldt, contributes with 12 points per game along with notable defensive stats.
On the Catamounts’ side, six-foot-two senior center Nikola Priede has been a defensive standout against opponents’ leading scorers, and UVM’s well-rounded offense features multiple scoring contributors. Priede averages 17.5 points and 8 rebounds per game, while senior guard Keira Hanson puts up 14.2 points per game. In their previous matchup against UMaine, each of these players played crucial roles in securing the victory.
As both teams prepare to face each other again, the stakes are high for UMaine as they aim to rectify earlier mistakes and challenge the seasoned Catamounts. With strong focus on defense and strategic offensive play, the Black Bears will seek to even the score in what promises to be an intense showdown.