Sophomore guard Josie Larkins had her career high of seven assists during the Feb. 16 game against the Hartford Hawks.

The UVM women’s basketball team played the University of Hartford Feb. 16 at Patrick Gym and lost 76-48.

Larkins said she was more focused on the team’s defensive struggle during this game.

“The key to our rally earlier on was our defense and having not a lot of turnovers, and our half court offense was really working for us earlier more than later,” she said.

Hartford’s lead began quickly, as they led 10-5 five minutes into the game.

The first time out of the game sparked motivation for the Catamounts.

First-year guard Rose Caverly immediately scored a three pointer and then assisted Larkins for another three.

After the brief rally, the quarter ended with a six point lead for Hartford.

In the second quarter, Vermont went on a 10-0 run, giving them a one point lead until the Hawks came back at the end of the half to lead UVM by four.

Head coach Alisa Kresge said that this was the peak of the game.

“I wish that one had ended at halftime,” she said. “There were times that we executed really well, but our 28 turnovers was, of course, way too many.”

Due in part to these turnovers, Hartford tied up the UVM defense and took a 15 point lead five minutes into the third quarter.

They made 11 of 18 shots in this quarter and continued to score in the last period to secure the win.

The loss put the Catamounts at 6-7 in conference play for the season and lifted second place Hartford to 10-2, according to UVM athletics.

With three games left, the first two of which are at home, Vermont currently sits in fourth place in the America East Conference, according to UVM athletics.

Junior forward Hanna Crymble is optimistic about the team’s playoff aspirations, but emphasizes the focus on the present.

“Like one of our fans likes to say, it’s all gearing up for the playoffs, so we have to keep our heads high and focus on one game at a time,” Crymble said.

The Catamounts next game is against UMBC Feb. 20 at Patrick Gym.