UVM’s women’s basketball team hosted the River Hawks of UMass Lowell for the annual Catamount Classroom Day, a day in which local elementary schools are invited to attend UVM sports matches.

The 11 a.m. tip-off had its difficulties as both squads would struggle early, but despite the early offensive struggles, the Catamounts found success on the defensive side of the ball.

UVM held UMass Lowell to a cold 4/13 shooting in the opening quarter, in addition to turning the River Hawks on five occasions.

The Cats turned on the offense in the second quarter. After senior forward Anna Olson’s scoring success, the offense found a rhythm for the remainder of the afternoon.

After efficient shooting throughout the second quarter, UVM built a nine point cushion going into the second half, leading 26-17.

The success from the second quarter continued after the half. Olson converted two quick buckets, extending the UVM lead to 13, forcing a River Hawk timeout just 50 seconds into the half.

The River Hawks made strong adjustments out of the timeout and cut the lead to just five.

UVM responded with a run of their own to end the quarter, as sophomore guard Keira Hanson drained two 3-pointers, putting the Cats ahead 42-33 at the conclusion of the third.

The Catamounts continued to take advantage of the River Hawk defense in the fourth. UVM scored three quick buckets to open up the quarter and secured the game 62-53.

Behind a dominant twenty-point double-double from Olson, the Catamounts pushed their conference winning streak to four, putting them a very comfortable 5-1 in America East play.

The Cats look to continue their impressive conference play this Saturday, as they host Bryant University at 2 p.m. in Patrick Gym.