WATERVILLE, Maine — On Thursday afternoon, the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) office announced the results of the 2025-26 Women's Basketball Preseason Coaches Poll, in which the University of Maine at Farmington was picked to finish fourth out of ten teams in the conference.
Over the past five seasons, the NAC has been divided into East and West divisions. Prior to the start of this season, the conference eliminated that format, reverting to one unified league for playoff seeding purposes. Last season, the Beavers secured the No. 3 seed in the NAC East Division, returning to the playoffs after a two-year hiatus. Farmington posted an 11–14 overall record and a 7–6 mark in conference play, earning a first-round matchup against the No. 2 seed, Husson University. The Beavers fell to the Eagles, 77-64, and will look to use that loss as motivation heading into their 2025-26 campaign.
Poll Results:
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Maine Maritime Academy - 98 (9)
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SUNY Cobleskill - 83
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Husson University - 82
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UMaine-Farmington - 76 (1)
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Thomas College - 57
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VTSU Lyndon - 40
T7. UMaine-Presque Isle - 35
T8. Lesley University - 35
9. VTSU Johnson - 31
10. SUNY Delhi - 13
The Beavers return nearly their entire core from last season while also adding several key newcomers as they aim to make a deep run in the NAC Tournament. Junior captain Jessica Dow (Saco, Maine) returns as the focal point on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Dow averaged a team-high 13.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game last season. A two-way standout, Dow's defensive impact is equally significant, she was named NAC Defensive Player of the Week three times last year and averaged 2.5 steals per game, ranking third in the conference.
Reigning NAC Rookie of the Year Jaydn Pingree (Jay, Maine) returns for her sophomore season and steps into a full-time starting role. Appearing in all 25 games last year, with 10 starts, Pingree finished as the team's second-leading scorer, averaging 11.0 points per game. She has the versatility to attack the rim, overpower smaller defenders, and stretch the floor with her shooting.
Farmington also returns junior transfer Audrey Mackie (Thomaston, Maine), senior forward Sarah Poli (Benton, Maine), senior forward Ruby McMinis (Wells, Maine), senior guard Grace Dwyer (Manchester, Maine), and junior guard Melissa Mayo (Bridgton, Maine), all of whom are expected to compete for starting roles. Since transferring in as a sophomore, Poli has started 48 of 49 games, averaging 8.1 points and 8.7 rebounds per game for her career. Mackie, who joined the team midway through last season, will provide additional scoring punch with her perimeter shooting. McMinis offers defensive energy and a knack for drawing charges, while Mayo, a streaky shooter, can be one of the team's most dangerous perimeter threats when she finds her rhythm. Dwyer will play a key role on both ends of the floor with her ability to handle the ball, knock down shots from the outside, and guard multiple positions.
Sophomore guard Makayla Emerson (Bradley, Maine) will also play an important role in the team's backcourt rotation this season.
In addition to the returners, Farmington welcomes a talented freshman class headlined by 6-foot-1 forward Lilly Gray(Benton, Maine) and athletic combo guard Kytana Williamson (Lincoln, Maine), both of whom are expected to make immediate contributions.
Season at a Glance
Farmington opens the 2025–26 season at the Spartan Classic, hosted by Castleton University, on November 15–16 with games against Fisher College and Hartwick College.
With the removal of the East and West divisions, all conference teams will now play one another twice, resulting in an 18-game NAC schedule. The Beavers will open conference play — and host their home opener — against reigning NAC Champion SUNY Cobleskill on November 21. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.
Following the opening weekend, Farmington's non-conference slate includes road games against Saint Joseph's College of Maine (Nov. 25), University of Southern Maine (Dec. 10), and Bates College (Jan. 21). The Beavers will host Plymouth State (Jan. 27) and Colby College (Feb. 3) in non-conference action.
