Rice Girls’ Basketball Dominates to Win State Championship

On Saturday, March 5^th the #1 Rice girls’ basketball team took on #3 Mount Mansfield at UVM’s Patrick Gymnasium. The Green Knights never trailed in the contest, going wire to wire for the convincing win over the Cougars, 47-30. Every member of the starting five scored in the contest. Cassie Beste ‘24 had a game high 17 points, with Elyse MacDonough ‘24 right behind with 12 points of her own. Atika Haji ‘25 contributed 8 points and 5 rebounds, while Kelli Cieplicki ’24 (3 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals) and  Ava MacDonough ‘22 provided solid all-around efforts.The Knights finished 8 for 12 from three-point land and forced several ill-advised shots from the Cougar offense with their stifling defense.

A chance at the title has been on the Green Knights' mind since March of 2021 after having their opportunity to play for the crown ripped away due to a controversial Covid-19 exposure decision by the Vermont Department of Health. Fortunately, the 2020-2021 group was able to return intact and realize their ultimate goal this season, hanging a banner in Bill Hammond Gymnasium. The Knights will graduate six seniors this Spring, Ava MacDonough, Autumn Carstensen, Larissa Zierak, Olivia Waite, Ashley Boucher, and Riley Powell. Their leadership and contributions to this program cannot be overstated. Congratulations to the 2021-2022 girls’ basketball team on their state title! You have made the Rice community very proud.

Rice Girls' Basketball Players Post-Season Awards: