ORONO – If the annual Blue-White intrasquad scrimmage is a sign of things to come for the University of Maine women’s basketball team, Black Bear fans are likely to enjoy what’s ahead.

Sunday’s scrimmage was the first look at coach Sharon Versyp’s evolving squad, which combines five newcomers with the eight veterans. The Bears are much deeper, appear considerably quicker overall and feature a balanced mix of freshmen at point guard, shooting guard, forward and center.

“We get up and down the floor much better this year,” Versyp said.

It appears the freshmen will have a sudden and significant impact.

UMaine has welcomed two point guards in Missy Traversi and Kim Corbitt, two outstanding ballhandlers who made good decisions Sunday. Traversi hit three 3-pointers in the first quarter on her way to 14 points.

“I’ve been waiting my whole life to do something like this and I’m finally here and it’s so exciting,” Traversi said. “We were intense. We were working hard.”

Corbitt (4 points, 6 rebounds) exhibited quickness and an ability to penetrate off the dribble. Traversi and Corbitt battled each other, showing off tenacious defensive skills.

“They set the tempo,” Versyp said. “Missy, she’s a leader. She’s talking all the time and she’ll shoot the 3. Kim’s very steady, very calm and is probably going to be one of our best defensive guards. She’s a slasher/driver.”

Freshman forward Monica Peterson exhibited a mixture of power and finesse. She provided seven points and grabbed eight rebounds with good anticipation.

“I was nervous in the first half,” admitted Peterson, an excellent rebounder. “I’m a rebounder. That’s my job, clean up the trash around the basket.”

Freshman wing player Kelly Manning, a lefthanded shooter, demonstrated a quick release while scoring seven points.

“She’s got one of the prettiest touches you’re going to see,” Versyp said.

Rangy 6-foot-6 frosh center Nicole Jay demonstrated excellent mobility and defensive anticipation. She scored six points, pulled down eight rebounds and blocked five shots.

“She has a presence in there,” Versyp said. “She needs to be the intimidator inside.”

Jay is trying to get used to the physical style of play she faces against senior Eva Moldre.

“We’re beating each other up a lot. She’s got bruises, I’ve got bruises,” Jay laughed. “She makes me such a better player.”

Heather Ernest, a sophomore forward from Temple, led the veterans with 18 points and six rebounds. Junior guard Ellen Geraghty contributed 13 points, while soph guard Melissa Heon shone with her hustle, defensive pressure and rebounding (8).

Moldre (7 rebounds) was solid inside, while senior guard Tracy Guerrette of St. Agatha and Augusta sophomore forward Julie Veilleux were steady.

“Everybody’s getting used to playing with each other, which is good,” Ernest said. “Everybody’s making everybody better, which is what we need.”

Junior forward Anna James and sophomore guard Pam Cruz both missed the scrimmage. James has been ill and is being held out until doctors determine the nature of the illness, Versyp said.

Cruz, who missed all of last season after knee surgery, is recovering from another arthroscopic procedure on the same knee that is expected to sideline her for another month or so.

UMaine plays an exhibition game Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Orono against Galatasaray Club from Turkey.

UMaine football still ranked

In spite of Saturday’s disappointing 42-20 loss at William & Mary, the UMaine football team remains ranked in both Division I-AA national polls.

The Bears, who slipped to 5-2 overall, 4-2 in the Atlantic 10, are ranked 24th in The Sports Network poll and cling to the No. 25 spot in the USA Today/ESPN rankings.

UMaine looks to maintain its postseason hopes Saturday with a crucial conference game at Rhode Island. The Rams (7-1, 5-1 A-10), coming off their first loss of the season at Richmond, are ranked ninth in both polls.