SVC Women’s Basketball Soars Over GMC Eagles in Season Tip-Off

Final	1	2	T
Green Mountain (0-1)	30	31	61
Southern Vermont (1-0)	37	38	75

Nov 16, 2010

BENNINGTON, Vt. – Junior guards Rita Hall (15 points) and Joa Claircius (16 points) led the Mountaineers to a 75-61 win over in-state rival the Eagles of Green Mountain College Tuesday night in the 2010-2011 season opener in the MAC. Sophomore Eagle Chelsea Paul led all scorers with 24 points but it was not enough as SVC beat GMC for the first time in 20 years. The win was also the first season opener win for women's basketball since 1997.

The Mountaineers came out strong in the first half and had a nine point lead twice. SVC was led by the stellar shooting of junior Alyssa Davis, who had 13 points in the first half. Paul matched Davis' points with 13 and kept the Eagles within reach as SVC led 37-30 at the break.

The Mountaineers blasted out of halftime with an offensive surge, this time led by Claircius and Hall. SVC led by 25 points with 8:19 left in regulation, despite getting into heavy foul trouble in the game. Southern Vermont committed 30 personal fouls to the Eagles 15. The Mountaineers made up for the fouls with a strong team shooting performance as it finished with 41.3% from the field, while GMC finished 26.8%. SVC was able to fend off the Eagles to maintain a 14 point led and the victory.

Sophomore forward Christie Henry led SVC with 10 rebounds as the Mountaineers dominated the boards 57-44. Freshman forward Abby Riedel finished with 11 points and seven rebounds, while junior Tasha Smith and freshman Kourtney Hewitt each contributed six points each to round out SVC's offensive night. Southern Vermont also tallied 10 blocks as a team with Riedel (3), Henry (2), and senior Kiara Bates (2) leading the way.

The only double-double of the night came from junior forward Millicent Hopper who finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Southern Vermont does not get a day of rest as it hosts non-conference foe Curry College Wednesday, November 17th, at 6:00 p.m. The game will be followed by a men's basketball game against the Sage Gators.