Binghamton, N.Y.-- Junior Amanda Robinson scored a game-high 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lift No. 7 UMBC (15-16) to a 67-56 upset win over third-seeded Vermont in the first of Saturday’s two America East semifinal games. UMBC becomes just the third seven seed to ever advance to title game. They will face the winner of Saturday’s second semifinal matchup, between top-seeded Hartford and No. 4 Binghamton on Sunday at 5 p.m.
Vermont (19-12) led 30-27 at halftime, but Robinson scored 17 of her 21 points in the second half, including a jumper with 15:42 to go that put UMBC ahead for good.
UMBC, which advanced to the championship game for the first time in team history, had three players who scored in double figures. In addition to Robinson, Sharri Rohde and Brittnie Hughes each chipped in with 12 points for UMBC.
The Catamounts were led by Courtnay Pilypaitis who scored 19 points. May Kotsopoulos added 10 points, while Amy Rosenkrantz collected a game-high 11 rebounds for Vermont.
America East Players of the Game were Courtnay Pilypaitis of Vermont and Amanda Robinson of UMBC.