No. 14 Vermont women鈥檚 basketball team faced a tough match against No. 3 Louisville in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, ultimately falling 72-52. Despite leading after the first quarter, the Catamounts struggled in the second half as the Cardinals built a commanding lead. Key performances included a game-high 22 points from Keira Hanson, who made history as the second UVM player to score 20+ points in two NCAA Tournament games. The loss marks Vermont's third NCAA Tournament appearance in four seasons.

By the Numbers
  • Final Score: Louisville 72, Vermont 52
  • Keira Hanson scored 22 points, becoming the second Catamount in history with 20+ points in two different NCAA Tournament games.
  • Nikola Priede contributed 16 points, and Laura Ziegler led Louisville with 13 rebounds.
Yes, But

While Vermont started strong, their inability to maintain momentum in the second half highlights the challenge of competing against higher-seeded teams in the tournament.

State of Play
  • Vermont held a brief lead after the first quarter but could not sustain it as Louisville established dominance.
  • The Cardinals' third-quarter performance significantly widened the score gap, showcasing their offensive capabilities.
What's Next

Looking ahead, Vermont will aim to build on their tournament experience to enhance their performance in future seasons and possibly contend for a deeper tournament run.

Bottom Line

The Catamounts鈥� spirited effort was overshadowed by Louisville's strong play; however, the groundwork laid this season could foster future success for Vermont women's basketball.