BENNINGTON, Vt. - The Southern Vermont women's basketball team kicked off the 2008-2009 season with a 98-69 loss to Centenary College in non-conference play Saturday night in the SVC Field House. The Mountaineers' (0-1) 27 turnovers (16 were steals by the Cyclones) contributed heavily to the loss.

SVC was led by sophomore Julia Fagan (New Britain, Conn./New Britain High School) who had 19 points (9-13 from the line), and 20 rebounds. Freshman point guard Joa Claircius (Clermont, FL/East Ridge HS), who got into early foul trouble acquiring three in the first two minutes of the game, posted 15 points for the Mountaineers.

Also playing a big role in the game were freshmen Kristen Cummings (New Britain, Conn./New Britain High School) and Alyssa Davis (West Burke, VT/Lyndon Institute) posting 12 and 13 points respectively. Cummings was four of seven from behind the three-point arc.

The score was 53-29 at the half in Centenary's (1-0) favor and Southern Vermont could not generate an offensive game. The Cyclones never looked back with Kristen Camuso posting 26 points (nine rebounds) and leading her team to victory. Marissa Distasio had a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds as well.

The Mountaineers are back in action Tuesday, November 18, against Sage. The game starts at 6:00 p.m.