BANGOR, Maine - The Husson University women's basketball team outscored the Hornets of Northern Vermont University of Lyndon, 22-8, in the second quarter as they pulled away from a slow start en route to a 61-40 victory in their North Atlantic Conference (NAC) opener on Saturday afternoon at Newman Gymnasium. With the win, the Eagles improve to 2-4 on the season and 1-0 in conference play while their Vermont conference foes fall to 1-5 and 0-1 in the conference. 

IN THE ACTION:

Following an explosive start by the Hornets coming out to a 15-8 advantage in the opening ten minutes of action, the Eagles regrouped in between quarters and set the tone for the remainder of the evening as they outscored NVU-Lyndon 22-8 in the second frame. Husson saw their first opportunity to take the lead midway through the second quarter when Megan Peach was sent to the free-throw line, draining both baskets with ease to put the Eagles up 20-19. A Sami Ireland jumper closed out an 8-0 run to help the Eagles grab hold of the lead and never look back. Cassie Urso led the rally in the second stanza, hitting a pair of threes for six points and four rebounds. 

Husson outscored NVU-Lyndon, 31-17, in the second half closing out the night with a decisive final quarter as the Eagles held the Hornets to a mere seven points. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• First-year Bailey Donovan led the Eagles off the bench as she had a game-high 12 points and eight rebounds. 

• In the first quarter, the Hornets shot 46.2% (6-of-13) while the Eagles were 26.7% (4-of-15). In the remaining three quarters, the Hornets shot 21.4% (9-of-42) while the Eagles hit a positive 44.9% (22-of-49).

• Alissa Mitchell paced the Hornets as she was the lone Hornet shooting at least 50% (4-of-8) from the field. She had 11 points including five of her team's eight points in the aforementioned second quarter. She tied Donovon for the high of eight rebounds. 

• The Eagles scored 26 points off the Hornets' 25 turnovers while the Hornets were only able to capitalize on the Eagles' 21 turnovers with 14 points.  

• First-year Urso sparked the Eagles' rally in the second quarter with two of her three-pointers as she had nine points and grabbed six rebounds throughout the night.

UP NEXT!

The Husson women are set to host another conference school from Vermont tomorrow, December 8th as they welcome Northern Vermont University-Johnson for back-to-back conference matchups. Tip-off is set for 12:00 p.m.