Here’s a bold statement: women’s basketball is not just a game—it’s a testament to resilience, strategy, and sheer determination. And the Vermont Catamounts proved just that in their recent 69-59 road victory against Drexel. But here’s where it gets controversial: was it Vermont’s stellar performance or Drexel’s missed opportunities that truly defined this game? Let’s dive in.
Final Score: Vermont 69, Drexel 59
In a thrilling matchup at Philadelphia’s Daskalakis Athletic Center, the Vermont Catamounts (10-4, 0-0 AE) secured a hard-fought win over the Drexel Dragons (7-4, 0-0 CAA) on Saturday afternoon. Leading the charge was senior Nikola Priede, who scored 21 points and came just one rebound shy of her fifth double-double this season. Her performance was nothing short of pivotal, but it wasn’t the only highlight of the game.
Coach’s Perspective
“I’m incredibly proud of how we prepared, executed, and stayed focused for all 40 minutes,” said Mayer Women’s Basketball Head Coach Alisa Kresge. “Rebounding, minimizing turnovers, and playing physical are non-negotiable when you’re on the road. Today, we nailed all three.” And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about scoring—it’s about controlling the game’s rhythm, and Vermont did just that.
Game Breakdown
The match started with Drexel taking an early lead, opening with an 8-3 run. But Vermont wasn’t about to back down. Sophomore Emma Haan’s three-pointer and senior Jadyn Weltz’s pull-up jumper quickly tied the game at 8 with 4:18 left in the first quarter. Drexel regained the lead by the end of the quarter, thanks to Amaris Baker’s last-second jumper, but Vermont was far from finished.
The second quarter saw Vermont take control with a 9-2 run, sparked by first-year Jacklynn Hosier’s three-pointer and capped by senior Keira Hanson’s pull-up jumper. Drexel fought back to tie the game at 23, but Vermont responded with a 7-5 run, ending the half with a 30-28 lead.
The third quarter was all Vermont. A 16-6 run, highlighted by Malia Lenz’s three-pointer off a Priede offensive rebound and Hanson’s driving layup, gave the Catamounts a commanding 46-34 lead. They maintained this advantage, closing the quarter with a 55-46 lead.
Vermont started the fourth quarter strong, but Drexel mounted a late comeback, cutting the deficit to seven points with just over a minute left. However, Vermont sealed the deal at the free-throw line, with Hanson and Priede extending the lead to 69-57 in the final seconds.
Key Stats
- Priede led with 21 points and nine rebounds, just missing a double-double.
- Hanson contributed 20 points, proving to be a scoring powerhouse.
- Weltz added 12 points, seven rebounds, and a team-high six assists.
- Vermont outshot Drexel 51.0% to 40.4% from the field.
- Drexel’s Amaris Baker scored a game-high 33 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.
Beyond the Game
This victory isn’t just a win for Vermont—it’s a win for the community. Through the Cat’s Win, Community Win initiative, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group will donate $100 to the Lund Family Center. Since 2014, Vermont Mutual has donated over $5 million through its Charitable Giving Fund, proving that sports can make a real impact off the court.
What’s Next?
Vermont returns home to face Dartmouth on Sunday, December 28, at Patrick Gym. Tip-off is at 2 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+ with radio coverage on the Varsity Network App. Vermont Federal Credit Union is the proud presenting sponsor of the team.
Food for Thought
Was Vermont’s victory a result of their strategic dominance, or did Drexel falter under pressure? And how much does a single player like Amaris Baker’s 33-point performance truly influence the outcome? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one discussion you won’t want to miss!
