Clippers Too Much for Lady Knights

Despite Junior Kelly Vellek (Burlington, VT) scoring a career high 27, the Lady Knights were not able to overcome the constant defensive pressure and overall tenacity of the University of Maine Machias Clippers, sucumbing at home to their opponents by a final of 67-38.

The Knights were undermanned from the start, dressing only six players, and knew they were facing a team in Machias that relied on full-court pressure and transition offense to run their opponents into the ground. The game started tight, and at the 8 minute mark of the first half the Knights trailed only by 3, 17-14. From there, however, the Clippers took over by going on a 16-1 run to close out the half up by 15.

The second half saw more of the same, with Machias pestering the Lady Knights with tough man-to-man defense, causing turnovers and running the floor at every opportunity. Despite the short bench, Vermont Tech stayed almost step-for-step with their opponents, limiting fast break baskets. The 28 to 11 advantage for the Clippers in points created from turnovers tells the story of the game fairly well.

The Knights were stellar from the free throw line, draining 82.4%, including Vellek's 11 for 12. Machias ended with five players scoring in double figures, a 38-28 rebounding edge, including 19-4 on the offensive end, and a 23-13 advantage in steals. Freshman Heather Gonier (Williamstown, VT) led the Knights in rebounding, grabbing 9.

The Knights are now 3-7 on the year, while Machias improved to 8-4. Vermont Tech is on the road for the next matchup, where they will meet YSCC foe NHTI on Friday night at 6pm in Concord, NH.