The UVM women’s basketball team started their season off with a strong 82-35 exhibition win against St. Michael’s.

Prior to tip-off, the 2022-23 UVM women’s basketball team was honored with their America East championship rings and trophy.

The Catamounts started the game on a tear, with the first quarter coming to a close with UVM leading 23-2. The Catamounts’ size and strength proved to be too much for the Purple Knights, as UVM would force nine St. Michael’s turnovers in the first period.

In the second quarter, however, St Michael’s would show some light. The Purple Knights started the second quarter with three consecutive three pointers, cutting the UVM lead to 14.

The remainder of the second quarter would provide back-and-forth play between both sides. St Micheal’s would outscore UVM in the quarter 21-19.

After a lackluster defensive pattern in the second quarter, the Catamount defense came out strong to start the third. UVM would hold St. Michael’s to only six points in the quarter, along with forcing six turnovers.

Grad student guard Emma Utterback would take over in the third quarter for the Catamounts: Utterback got the Catamounts out in transition and would tally six points and three assists in the quarter for herself.

At the end of the third quarter, the starters would end their action for the night, as the Catamounts held a 62-29 lead. The second unit would continue to provide efficient scoring for the Catamounts, hitting 61.5% of their shots in the final period.

Sophomore guard Keira Hanson would lead the Catamounts in the fourth quarter, pouring in a very efficient 10 points. The Catamount defense continued to impress, tallying three steals, three blocks, and holding the Purple Knights to only six points in the final quarter.

UVM will open up regular season play this coming Monday, Nov. 6, as they host the University of Miami of Ohio in Patrick Gymnasium at 6 p.m.