ORONO – The University of Maine women’s basketball team has already encountered several outstanding opponents on its way to a 5-5 record so far this season.

The intensity will pick up a notch tonight when the Black Bears open their America East schedule with a 7 p.m. home game against Binghamton at Alfond Arena.

Coach Sharon Versyp and her players had hoped for one or two more victories during the nonleague portion of the schedule, but the Bears realize they must build on those experiences rather than concentrate on wins and losses.

“We blew some opportunities, but we’ve learned from every one of them and I think it’s going to make us even better as we go into our conference season,” said senior guard Melissa Heon, who will sit out her third straight game tonight with a left thumb injury.

Versyp said the nonconference schedule was testy, but provided UMaine with plenty of challenges.

“We’ve played in probably every possible scenario this year, so we won’t see anything we haven’t played against,” Versyp said, referring to game situations, strategies, and personnel matchups.

Versyp continues to stress the importance of playing better defense and a commitment to rebounding as big keys to UMaine’s fortunes in America East play.

“We’ve had individuals who have played good defense, but our entire team defense hasn’t been as good as it should be,” she said of UMaine, which ranks seventh in the league in both scoring defense (65.4 points per game) and field goal percentage defense (.408).

Heon, who often is the Bears’ defensive catalyst, said rebounding boils down to individual responsibilities.

“It comes down to each player doing their job,” Heon said. “It doesn’t just rely on one person. Everybody has to contribute and come through.”

UMaine’s plus-2.2 rebounding margin leads the league, with senior Heather Ernest of Temple leading the charge with 10.4 boards per contest.

The Bears are looking to make a new start tonight, putting whatever struggles they have had behind them in the hopes of chasing the elusive America East championship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

“It’s a 0-0 slate. It’s a new season,” Versyp said. “I think it’s all mental right now.”

Heon agreed, saying UMaine’s veteran squad knows what it takes to win in America East after winning 21 straight, 18 in the league, before losing in the title game last season.

“We haven’t jelled yet, and I guess that could be a good thing,” Heon said.

“We played some amazing teams and I think it’s going to give us a head up on our conference teams,” she added.