SeaWolves Suffer First Loss To #1-USCAA Mustangs

AUBURN, Maine—The Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) women's basketball team suffered its first loss of the season at Central Maine Community College (CMCC) 66-53 in a much anticipated Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC) rivalry game on Wednesday, Dec. 12.

Entering play, CMCC stood control of the top spot in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Coaches Poll, SMCC ranked #4. The Mustangs put together a 7-0 run off the jump, but the SeaWolves rallied to win the first quarter 11-10. The Mustangs answered with a seven-point differential in the second, despite a seven-point quarter by junior Nyakuoth Mach (Des Moines, Iowa), and entered the half ahead 30-24.

Sophomore Amanda Brett (Portland, Maine) dropped 13 points in the third on 5-5 shooting to help her team to a 24-point quarter and lessen the deficit to 49-48. The SeaWolves were unable to convert a field goal in the fourth, making 5-10 from the line for as many points. Although forced into eight turnovers, the Mustangs netted 17 to gain separation and take the first of two meetings by a 13-point margin.

Brett led all scorers in the game with 19 and four steals; Mach finished with 15 points and sophomore captain Abigail Ramirez (Methuen, Mass.) went for nine points and six assists.

Jordyn Reynolds was the top stat-leader for CMCC with 18 points and 14 boards; Alex Bessey contributed 14 points in just 16 minutes.

The result leaves SMCC at 10-1 overall, 6-1 YSCC. The Mustangs push to 12-1 overall and a conference-best 8-0.

The Lady SeaWolves pick it back up after the holiday break when they travel to the Community College of Rhode Island for a non-conference tilt on Saturday, Jan. 5. Tip-off in Warwick is scheduled for 1 p.m.

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