The UVM women’s basketball team fell in their season opener to Bryant University, 63-57, Nov. 11 at Patrick Gym, before winning against Dartmouth 2 days later.

The game against Bryant was the first at UVM for new head coach Chris Day, who took over the team after a stint as an assistant coach at the University of Pennsylvania.

The Catamounts took an early lead in the game behind strong defensive play, but missed chances offensively to extend the lead.

After giving up the lead in the first quarter, junior guard Kristina White made three pointers on back to back possessions to give UVM a 13-12 lead early in the second quarter.

The Catamounts’ offensive attack was reliant on the three-pointer in the second quarter, where they scored 12 of their 16 points off the long ball.

The Bulldogs extended their lead to nine points early in the third quarter behind forward Alex Klein, who was the game’s leading scorer with 25 points.

However, the Catamounts took the momentum midway through the third quarter on a three-point play from first-year forward Hanna Crymble, and a fast break layup from sophomore guard Hayley Robertson, which cut Bryant’s lead to 1 point with 5:41 left in the third.

The Catamounts went cold from the field after this 6-0 run, only scoring three points in the remainder of the third quarter, and trailed Bryant 44-38 going into the fourth quarter.

The Catamounts began to press late in the game, and guard Kallie Banker helped UVM cut the lead with back-to-back three-point plays.

Bryant made five free throws in the final minute of the game to seal the win and keep the game out of reach for the Catamounts.

Vermont reacted with a 59-54 win against Dartmouth on Sunday, Nov. 13.

Candice Wright and Kristina White scored 11 points each, playing an important role in Chris Day’s first win as head coach.

A 15-4 run early in the second half was crucial for Vermont.

The Catamounts held off The Big Green despite a comeback effort that saw them outscore Vermont 20-12 in the fourth quarter, according to UVM athletics.

Following the win in which the Catamounts never trailed, they are now 1-1 early in the season.

The women’s basketball team play their next game on Nov. 18 at Central Connecticut State.