Concord, NH - Tonight YSCC rivals Southern Maine CC and Central Maine CC battled for the right to compete in tomorrow's conference championship game. The Seawolves used full court defensive pressure to hold the Mustangs to just 28% shooting from the field and 16.7%, 2-12, from the three point line to come away with the 62-58 victory.

The Seawolves opened up the game with a 14-4 run in the first five minutes thanks to eight quick points from All-Conference post player Amira Jones (Chicopee, MA), who scored all 15 of her points in the first half. The Mustangs countered the opening run with a 9-2 run of their own to shave the SMCC lead to just three points but the Seawolves were able to rally again and close out the half on top 39-23.

The Seawolves were able to maintain the lead throughout the second half and held a ten point advantage with 4:42 remaining but the Mustangs refused to go away. Center Laura Soohey knocked down two free throws and converted on a layup, then shooting guard Gabby Foy connected on a jump shot and a three pointer to pull the Mustangs back to within four. Briana Grant then converted on two free throws to make it a one possession game and a Seawolves' turnover gave the ball back to the Mustangs with 1:28 remaining, trailing just two. Seawolves' point guard Jordan Turner (Casco, ME) came up with a huge steal and was fouled on the break away to go to the line for two shots. Turner hit one of her free throws to extend the SMCC lead to three points with just over a minute left to play. Four missed shot opportunities by the Mustangs resulted in a Seawolves possession and a foul that sent Alicia Hoyt (Steep Falls, ME) to line for two shots. Hoyt made the first of her two free throws to ice the game at 62-58 with just :00.7 remaining. Jones was quiet in the second half but post players Hoyt and Maria Veino (Sanford, ME) stepped up to combine for 13 points and eight rebounds. 

Hoyt and Jones each scored a team high 15 points to lead the Seawolves and combined for 15 rebounds. Veino ended with seven points and eight rebounds and Turner chipped in nine points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals.

Foy and Soohey had 16 apiece to lead the Lady Mustangs.

The Seawolves (20-7, 13-3 YSCC) will be back in action tomorrow at noon to take on St. Joseph's College of Vermont in the YSCC championship.

Southern Maine Community College empowers students to respond to a changing world and enhances economic and cultural development in Southern Maine by providing a variety of educational opportunities and partnerships.