Randolph, VT – A limited roster and a scrappy VTC squad made for an interesting Sunday matinee matchup between the Lady Mustangs and the Knights. Playing without Jenny Schlim (scheduled rest day), Brooke Reynolds (injury), Kristina Blais (sickness), Taylor Esty (injury), and Samantha Burke (injury) tested the Lady Mustangs resiliency against a determined Vermont Tech. CM led from start to finish, leading by as much as 16 points, but had to cling to a slim lead late in the 4th quarter to pull away for the 55-46 victory.
Nicole Hamblin (Fayette, ME) played a season-high 32-minutes on her way to a game-high 15 points. Hamblin also recorded 7 rebounds and 4 steals while connecting on three 3's. Tianna Harriman (Auburn, ME) chipped in with 12 points and 4 rebounds, while Eraleena Gethers-Hairston (Auburn, ME) pulled down a career-high 18 rebounds to go along with 5 steals and 4 points.
CM was only awarded 2 foul shots during the entire game, hitting both of them, but shot a dismal 31% from the floor including 21% from the three point line on a season-high 42 attempts. The Mustangs did win the war in the paint, out-rebounding the Knights by +15 while ripping down 20 offensive rebounds.
According to Head Coach, Andrew Morong, "This was a great test for us, and an endured struggle that will make us better down the stretch. Coach (Jamie) Paterson did an outstanding job having his women ready to battle and execute a game plan. They certainly out-worked us over the course for the entire game, so hats off to VTC. Being shorthanded is not an excuse or reason that this game was close. We cannot expect to beat many teams while turning the ball over a combined 74 times in the last two games like we have. We have to be more disciplined and focused as we prepare for a tough schedule ahead, and that starts with me. It is my job to make sure we are putting our women in a position to be successful to the standards we have set before them."
Paige Wells led the Knights with a double-double of 10 points and 13 rebounds.
With the win CM improves to 19-1 overall and remains at 7-0 in the Yankee Conference. They will be back in action this Wednesday, January 25th, when they host the Herons of Great Bay CC for a 6:00pm tip-off.
