BURLINGTON, Vt. — It took the University of Vermont women’s basketball team five minutes in the America East championship game to find its footing. Once the Catamounts did, though, they were in control as they pulled away Friday for a 61-43 over Maine in a loud Patrick Gymnasium.

The win gave Vermont (27-7) its second straight America East title. The Catamounts will learn their first-round opponent in the NCAA tournament during Sunday’s selection show, which begins at 8 p.m.

Maine, the last team to defeat Vermont in a conference tournament game, ends the season at 19-13. The Black Bears were seeking their second America East title in three seasons, having beaten the Catamounts in the 2024 final.

Keira Hanson led Vermont with 23 points, shooting 9 of 13 from the floor. Nikola Priede added 14 points and eight rebounds, while Malia Lenz had a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Jayden Weltz was the fourth Catamount in double figures with 11 points.

The Catamounts led 29-21 at halftime. After Maine took an early 9-2 lead, Vermont went on a 27-6 run to lead 29-15 with just over three minutes left in the first half. The Black Bears shot just 25% (7 for 28) in the first half.

Adrianna Smith, the America East Player of the Year, led the Black Bears with 22 points and 15 rebounds in her final collegiate game. Maine struggled to find a shooting touch throughout the game and finished 28.8% from the floor (15 for 52). Lala Woods, with eight points on 2-for-10 shooting, was Maine’s second-leading scorer.