FARMINGTON, Maine – The University of Maine at Farmington women's basketball team didn't suffer a letdown after their dramatic victory on Friday evening, topping the visiting University of Maine at Presque Isle, 70-61, to earn their first North Atlantic Conference (NAC) victory of the season.
The Records:
Following today's victory, the Beavers improved to 4-7 on the season with a 1-2 record in NAC play. The Owls dropped to 1-8 overall and 0-2 in conference play after the loss.
How It Happened:
The Owls came out strong, especially Anaira Ayala, who shot a perfect 4-for-4 from the field in the opening quarter, draining three triples and hitting 4-of-4 from the free-throw line to help UMPI open a quick 13-8 lead midway through the period.
Trailing 15-10 with 3:46 remaining in the opening quarter, the Beavers closed the period on a 14-4 run, beginning to pick apart the Owls' 2-3 zone defense. First-years Jaydn Pingree (Jay, Maine) and Makayla Emerson (Bradley, Maine) each scored five points to highlight the run for Farmington.
With a 24-19 lead to open the second quarter, Farmington's offense continued to find its rhythm. Senior guard Grace Dwyer (Manchester, Maine) hit a pair of threes, while Pingree and Emerson each connected on one of their own, pushing Farmington's lead to 15 with 4:30 left in the half.
However, the Beavers were held scoreless for the remaining 4:26 of the second quarter, allowing UMPI to close the half on an 8-0 run, cutting the lead to seven. Alexis Ireland took control for the Owls in the second quarter, registering ten points on an efficient 5-for-6 shooting.
On the first possession of the second half, Camryn Ala drained a three from the right wing, cutting the Beavers' lead to just four. The hero from Friday night, Melissa Mayo (Bridgton, Maine), responded with a three of her own to steady the ship for the Beavers.
Farmington regained a ten-point lead on three separate occasions, but the Owls continued to have an answer, preventing the Beavers from pulling away. Lindsay Hamilton hit a pair of big threes in the quarter to keep the Owls within striking distance.
Leading 57-53 at the start of the fourth quarter, Farmington scored the first five points of the period, keeping UMPI off the scoreboard for the first five minutes of play.
Jovanna Oliva hit a three to stop the Owls' scoreless streak, and Ireland hit a floater in the lane on the next possession to cut the Beavers' lead to just four with 4:30 to play.
Mayo hit a three and followed with a layup in the closing minutes to seal the victory for Farmington, closing out the first semester on a positive note.
Stats of the Game:
Farmington shot 35.2% (25-for-71) from the floor and 34.4% (11-for-32) from beyond the arc in the victory. The Beavers controlled the turnover battle, forcing 20 Owl turnovers while committing 14 turnovers themselves. The Farmington defense held UMPI to just 33.3% (21-for-63) shooting from the field and 36.4% (8-for-22) from deep.
Leaders - Farmington:
- Emerson came off the bench and led the Beaver with 15 points, hitting three triples to go along with six rebounds and three assists.
- Dwyer, making her first start of the season, scored 13 points, hitting 3-for-6 from three and adding six assists and three steals.
- Jessica Dow (Saco, Maine) stuffed the stat sheet, finished with nine points, 15 rebounds, eight assists, three steals, and a pair of blocks.
Leaders - Presque Isle:
- Ireland scored a game-high 23 points on 8-for-16 shooting to go along with 16 rebounds.
- Ayala scored just three points after the first quarter, finishing with 18 points and six assists.
UP NEXT
The Beavers will return to action in the New Year, facing SUNY Delhi on January 6th. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 PM.
