UM fans give big sendoff> 200 gather as Bears leave for tourney

BANGOR – As University of Maine basketball player Steph Guidi picked up her carry-on luggage at Bangor International Airport, a fan called out, “See you at the Final Four, Steph.”

A laughing Guidi replied, “I’ve already reserved my room.”

Guidi’s optimism, along with enthusiasm and anticipation, prevailed Wednesday morning as approximately 200 fans holding blue signs displaying a big white “M” gathered at BIA for a sendoff for the UMaine women’s basketball team.

The team boarded a 10 a.m. flight to start its trip to Charlottesville, Va., where the 11th-seeded Bears will take on No. 6 George Washington University in a first-round NCAA tourney game at 6 p.m. Friday.

About 30 minutes before the team’s takeoff, fans and members of the team’s families received a chance to offer some words of support to the players, who were also busy signing autographs.

“This is a pretty amazing thing to see so many people out here. There are a lot more than last year. This is a big confidence booster for us,” Maine sophomore Sandi Carver said.

The players were kept busy by the fans while also attempting to get a final few hugs from their families.

The sendoff was a first for Evelyn Blodgett, who usually has to work and can’t be present to say good-bye to her daughter, Maine sophomore Cindy Blodgett, the nation’s leading scorer.

“This was very overwhelming to see all the people come out here. I think it’s very uplifting for the team. Cindy’s very positive. I think they’ll do great,” said Mrs. Blodgett, who traveled from Clinton with her mother, Irene Achorn.

Fans were lined around the terminal area on BIA’s ground floor and greeted the Black Bears with a hearty cheer when they entered.

Maine coach Joanne Palombo-McCallie was surprised, but appreciative of the fans.

“This is an incredible show of support on a busy work day. We’re thankful for your strength and support. We know you will all be with us and that will help us dig down a little deeper,” Palombo said to the crowd.

The players seemed relaxed and confident. For most, it was their second straight trip to the NCAA tourney and the prospect of facing the nation’s No.1 team wasn’t looming as it was last year in their first-round game against Connecticut.

“We’ve been a little anxious at practice, but mostly relaxed and not as nervous as last year. We’ve been there and that’s a plus because we know what to expect,” Maine senior captain Catherine Gallant said.

Many of the fans hoped to give the team a spark as it faced a five-hour trip and two days of practice before Friday’s game.

Bill McElravy has attended all of Maine’s home games this season and traveled from Searsport for the sendoff.

“I had to see them off and give them positive support. I hope they get by the first round. That would be sufficient. After that, it would be hard to get by Virginia ,” McElravy said.

It was the last chance for Robert and Joan Franz of Newburgh to greet the team as they will soon be heading to Florida.

“We’ve been following the team since Rachel Bouchard’s freshman year. Basketball is great for this area, it’s what keeps everything going through the long winter,” Robert Franz said.

The crowd of 200 filtered down to about 30 when the Black Bears boarded their plane. The remaining fans stayed and waved “M” signs as the plane taxied toward the runway.

“They’ve been playing tough. Hopefully, they can come home with something,” said Etna’s Danita Smith as she headed home with her 6-year-old daughter, Caitlyn.