The women’s basketball team was victorious in a 69- 50 rout of the Ivy League co-champions, Dartmouth, onMarch 20. Coming off a difficult double overtime loss to Boston University in the semi-finals of the American East tournament, the Catamounts responded with this win in the first round of the Women’s National Invitational Tournament (NIT).Showing no resonating effects of the loss to BU, the Cats came out of the gate firing and quickly mounted an 11-3 lead. They forced four turnovers in the first 2:30, two leading to break-away layups, and swaying Dartmouth to take an early timeout.But the Big Green responded strong, going on a 10-2 run to tie the game at 13 apiece. From there, UVM never looked back, answering with a 12-0 run, which was part of a 25-7 run to close out the half at 38-20.Entering the second half, the Cats did not lose a step, keeping a comfortable lead for the rest of the game.Four Catamounts scored in double figures and Courtnay Pilypaitis and Kelli Poles both added team highs of 16points. Pilypaitis, who earned the America East Player of the year award, also added six rebounds and seven assists, finding her teammates in the open court and picking Dartmouth’s defense apart with ease.Poles put on a clinic, showcasing her offensive prowess with her drop step, hook shot, fade away and her ever-so-soft jump shot.With Dartmouth looking to mount a last minute comeback, Pilypaitis hit two daggers, both deep threes in the final minutes to secure the win. May Kotsopoulos, the 2008 America East Defensive Player of the year, also chipped in 12 points.The Lady Cats continued to the second round of the NIT where they faced Boston College on Monday.The Eagles, who finished the season 21-10, are coached by former UVM coach Cathy Inglese.Inglese, head coach for the Cats from 1986-1993, led UVM to back-to-back undefeated seasons in the early ’90s.The two teams are familiar with one another. UVM beat Boston College last year for their first-ever victory against a ranked opponent.