The Middlebury women's basketball team dropped a 77-45 decision at Union (2-5) on Thursday. The Panthers (6-4) open the 2022 portion of their schedule on January 4, heading to SUNY New Paltz for a 4:00 p.m. tipoff.

In the first quarter, the hosts raced out to a 6-2 advantage, but Middlebury used a modest 6-0 run to claim the lead. Emily Downer scored in the paint, before Alexa Mustafaj netted consecutive buckets to put the visitors on top 8-6. The Dutchwomen took the lead back at 11-10 on a free throw by Kendall Degenhardt and built the margin to 20-14 at the end of the opening frame.

Middlebury narrowed the gap to 22-18 early in the second stanza, as Reagan McDonald and Mustafaj both scored from close range. Union responded with a 10-0 run, extending the advantage to 32-20 with just under three minutes showing on the clock. After a three by McDonald, Union's Emma Riley netted a pair of baskets in the final 1:07 for a 39-23 cushion at the half.

The Dutchwomen outscored the Panthers 23-9 in the third period to add to their lead. Following a three-pointer by Middlebury's Augusta Dixon, Union's Grace Enselek connected twice from the foul line and once from the floor in the final minute for a 62-32 advantage with one quarter to play.

Union took its biggest lead of the game at 72-34 with 4:45 left in the contest, but the Panthers finished on a positive note with an 11-5 run. Dixon contributed four points to the spurt, while Downer completed a traditional three-point play. Leah Poorman closed out the scoring for Middlebury, making it a 77-45 final.

Mustafaj topped the Panthers with 16 points, while Dixon just missed a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds. Gianna Palli dished out a game-high five assists and snared four boards.

For the Dutchwomen, Olivia Pachla and Megan Lee both finished with double-doubles. Pachla had 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Lee tallied 15 points and collected 10 boards.

Union shot 51.4 percent (34-66) from the floor, while limiting Middlebury to 31.3 percent (21-67). The Dutchwomen held a 53-28 advantage on the glass.