Inside edge has Maine women posting up balance, victories

ORONO – Coach Sharon Versyp has spent the last two-plus seasons trying to develop the University of Maine’s post game.

Heather Ernest of Temple has been a mainstay underneath for the Black Bear women’s basketball team, but it finally appears as though UMaine is achieving some balance inside.

The latest example of the Bears’ improved post game came during Wednesday night’s lopsided America East victory over Vermont at Alfond Arena.

Freshman Abby Schrader had her best game as a Bear, scoring a game-high 16 points on 7-for-12 shooting and grabbing five rebounds. The 6-foot-3 forward is averaging 7.3 points and 4.8 rebounds in 17 minutes per game.

While Vermont held Ernest somewhat in check (14 points, nine rebounds, four steals, three assists), Schrader provided the perfect complement.

“I thought she played well and obviously when you’re playing alongside Heather, something’s got to give somewhere,” said Catamounts coach Keith Cieplicki. “She plays hard. She’s athletic. She’s a nice player.”

Schrader gives UMaine a bigger body in the paint, but she combines a solid frame with slippery post moves, a soft shooting touch, and an air of confidence.

Schrader credits her teammates with making her success possible.

“Everyone played as a team and everyone was looking for each other and that’s what we need,” said Schrader, who did enjoy the atmosphere Wednesday with 2,313 fans cheering on the Bears.

“I love playing in front of Mainers with Maine pride,” Schrader said. “It was just great.”

Ernest and Schrader are bolstered inside by 6-6 sophomore Nicole Jay, who continues to improve her skills and aggressiveness, along with versatile guard/forward Monica Peterson, who is effective down low as well.

“I think that rotation has been very good to us,” Versyp said. “We’ve been weak in the post since I’ve been here. This year I think we’ve beefed it up more. We have more depth in there.”

Versyp credits the team’s seven-game winning streak to the players’ willingness to play hard and play together.

“They play each game like it’s their last, that’s the philosophy that’s come through with this group,” Versyp said. “We’re really starting to play every day like a team and each player starts stepping up more and more and that’s why we’re successful.”

The Bears will play four of their next five games on the road, including Saturday’s 2 p.m. contest at Stony Brook.

Ernest moving up UMaine charts

Ernest, UMaine’s go-to player for the last three seasons, continues her ascent among the most productive players in the history of the program.

Ernest has moved into 12th place on the Bears’ all-time scoring list and needs only 12 points to become the program’s 12th 1,000-point scorer. She is chasing Lisa Cormier, who scored 1,052 points from 1980-84.

Ernest also has moved into 12th place on UMaine’s career rebounding list. Her nine boards against Vermont give her 611 and pushed her past Stephanie Guidi (1992-96), who pulled down 607. Next up is No. 11 Emily Ellis, who had 623 from 1981-85.