In a thrilling contest that showcased both teams' determination, the Middlebury women’s basketball team emerged victorious with a 65-52 win over Trinity. This match marked the start of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) season for both sides. The Panthers demonstrated remarkable resilience and strategic play, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they surged ahead with a decisive 16-3 run. The game featured intense back-and-forth action, with key performances from players like Alexa Mustafaj, who led all scorers with an impressive 31 points.

The opening moments of the game saw the Panthers trailing by one point but quickly turned the tide with a nine-point streak, highlighted by Augusta Dixon's layup. However, Trinity responded swiftly, bringing the score to 12-9 by the end of the first quarter. The second quarter was characterized by closely contested plays, with neither team able to gain a significant lead. By halftime, the hosts managed a narrow two-point advantage thanks to Mustafaj's crucial jumper.

As the third quarter unfolded, the Bantams narrowed the gap to just two points early on. The Panthers then unleashed a 12-5 run, largely fueled by Mustafaj's stellar performance, which extended their lead to nine points. Despite Trinity's efforts to close the gap in the final minutes of the third quarter, the Panthers maintained control heading into the fourth.

In the final frame, the Panthers displayed their dominance with an unstoppable 16-3 run, solidifying their largest lead of the game. Kale Tornwini's layup sealed the victory, capping off a hard-fought battle. The Panthers' shooting accuracy in the fourth quarter, along with perfect free-throw execution, proved pivotal in securing the win.

The Panthers' success was underscored by Mustafaj's outstanding performance, scoring 20 of her 31 points in the second half. Augusta Dixon also contributed significantly with 11 points and 12 rebounds, marking her seventh double-double of the season. This victory not only boosted the Panthers' morale but also set a strong foundation as they prepare for their next challenge against Wesleyan University on January 11th.