SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine- The Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) women's basketball team topped the Clippers of the University of Maine at Machias (UMM) 69-44 as part of a four-game quarter-final slate at the Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC) Elite Eight Tournament. 

The Seawolves were paced by first-year Kaylah Abdul (South Berwick, Maine) who led all scorers with 15 points, collecting five rebounds on an efficient 5-8 shooting. First-year Alicia Ruth (Plaistow, N.H.) contributed with 13 points, drilling three from beyond the arc. Sophomore Emily Keene (Livermore Falls, Maine) was complete on both ends tallying nine points and eight rebounds. 

UMM's Alicen Brooks (Stockton Springs, Maine), who entered second in the conference in points per game, finished one under her average with 14. 

The SMCC offense was slow moving in the early stages getting down 6-1 off the tip. With the help of the much anticipated return of senior Jennifer Conrad (Monmouth, Maine), the SeaWolves closed the first quarter on a 12-0 run. The SeaWolves would go on to post 24 points in the second quarter and lead the Lady Clippers 37-15 at the half.

The Clippers outscored the home team 14-10 in the third quarter and fired an efficient 50 percent from the floor in the final 10 minutes. To combat UMA's hot shooting in the second half, SMCC recorded 14 offensive rebounds to capitalize on second chance opportunities and cruise to a 69-44 victory. 

View the photo gallery of the game HERE.

The SeaWolves will advance to take on the winner of #3 New Hampshire Technical Institute vs. #6 Vermont Technical College in the semi-final game on Saturday, Feb. 18. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the HUB Gymnasium. 

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