HENNICKER, N.H. - The Southern Vermont women's basketball team stuck with New England College into the second half when a Pilgrims 12-0 run gave them an 18 point cushion and the win last night in a 86-58 SVC loss.

Despite the loss the Mountaineers were once again led by double-double artists Joa Claircius finishing with 17 points, 12 rebounds and Julia Fagan who closed the night with 14 points, 12 rebounds.

Southern Vermont (2-4) stayed with New England (5-3) in the first half going nearly basket for basket behind but the Pilgrims were up at the half 31-25.

The Mountaineers were able to move the ball in the first half and make shots when they needed too with freshman Alyssa Davis, who finished with 12 points all of which were three's, draining two treys to keep the win within reach.

The Pilgrims Katie Plankey got hot in the second half with 13 points, she finished with 22. Also adding the New England lead was Tiffany Boilard who finished with 13 points which were all free throws in the second half. They outscored SVC 55-33 in the second half to put the game away.

Also contributing for Southern Vermont was freshman Tasha Smith who was one rebound short of her second double-double of the week with 10 points, 9 rebounds.

"The final score doesn't indicate how well these young women played tonight," said Mountaineers Head Coach Ben Kozik. "The important thing about these non-conference games is that we need to improve game in and game out."

The Mountaineers hit the road again next Saturday, December 13, when they face St. Joseph's College (Brooklyn, N.Y.) for non-conference play. The tipoff is at 7:30 p.m.