Women’s basketball nets first road win

The Middlebury women’s basketball team achieved its seventh win of the season this Sunday against non-conference rival Lyndon State.

The Panthers looked very strong in their 70-47 win, which was a testament to the team’s mental and physical strength.

The game marked their fifth game in seven days and the victory over the Lady Hornets was the Panthers’ first win away from home. The win has set a strong precedent for conference play, which will begin in the women’s first NESCAC game against Bates on Friday, Jan. 15.

First-year Leah Kepping ’13 led the Panthers in scoring against Lyndon State, racking up 13 points.

Other big scorers were Stephany Surette ’12 and Elissa Goeke ’12, who each put up 12 points for the Panthers. Senior captain Kaitlyn Fallon ’10 netted 10 points.

The scoring pattern alone is indicative of the contributions that are being made from all members of the squad.

The first-years have been huge contributors to Middlebury’s program so far this season.

This team has a great depth of talent, which has allowed for everyone to contribute in the opening games of the season.

The Panthers currently hold a record of 7-4, which includes a six-game winning streak that occurred over the winter break. After opening the season with three losses away from home, the Panthers bounced back with six wins from Dec. 3 to Jan. 7.

These games included victories over Castleton, St. Joseph’s, Union, Worcester Poly, Plattsburgh and Colby-Sawyer.

Sophomore Brittany Perfetti ’12 described the confidence that this winning streak provided the team.

“The winning streak was important in building momentum for us,” said Perfetti. “It established the presence of our Middlebury team for us, as well as for all our competitors.”

The six-game winning streak was evidence that the team’s hard work and training is paying off.

Additionally, the winter break provided the team with time to focus on certain things upon which they needed to improve.

The winning streak ended with a loss at Skidmore on Saturday, Jan. 9.

The Panthers lost to the Thoroughbreds, 68-52. The game was very close until the end of the second half, when Skidmore went on an impressive 12-1 run, taking a 51-39 lead with 8:12 left to play. The home team held a double-digit lead for the remainder of the game and emerged with a 68-52 victory.

In this game, Perfetti led the Panthers with 13 points, Fallon scored 9 and Surette put away 7 points with 9 rebounds.

The victory against Lyndon State, following their loss to Skidmore, could be the start of another winning streak for the Panthers as they prepare for the heart of their season.

The women host both Bates and Tufts this weekend in the opening of NESCAC play. Perfetti is confident in her team.

“Everything is really starting to build and come together,” she said. This weekend will be an important test for the Middlebury women’s basketball program.