South Portland - This afternoon the Lady Seawolves played host to defending USCAA National Champions, PSU-Beaver. After a 40 minute, back and forth battle that consisted of 14 ties and 13 lead changes the Seawolves prevailed, 78-75.
The Seawolves held their largest lead of the game three minutes into the first quarter when the score was only 11-5. The Lions fought back and eventually took a 33-28 advantage which would be their largest lead. The Seawolves closed out the second quarter with six consecutive made free throws from Alicia Hoyt (Steep Falls, ME), Hannah Heald (Appleton, ME) and Vanese Barnes (Jay, ME) and knotted the score at 34-34 going into the intermission.
The Seawolves managed to outscore the Lions by a lone point to take a 55-54 lead into the final period. The teams proceeded to swap baskets until a made layup by Hoyt gave the Seawolves a four point cushion with 2:23 remaining. PSU responded with a made free throw by forward Asia Borders and a jump shot by point guard Mia Mattes to close the gap to one, 76-75. Once again Hoyt had the answer with a layup that put SMCC back up three. A defensive stop by the Seawolves resulted in a possession, a Beaver foul and an unsuccessful trip to free throw line by SMCC. The Lions had 3.8 seconds to try to tie the game but a desperation shot by Morgan Kurtz was off the mark and the Seawolves came away with the triumph.
Hoyt led all scorers tonight with a season high 23 points. She also led all rebounders, pulling down 16 and recording her first double-double of the 2015-16 season. Sophomore forward Amira Jones (Chicopee, MA) put up 17 and grabbed nine boards.
Borders paced the Lions with 20 points and teammate Khalia Adams added 15 points and five steals.
The Lady Seawolves (7-1, 2-0 YSCC) have one more outing before the holiday break. On Tuesday the 24th they will travel to UMaine-Augusta for a 6pm start.
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.
