Underwood’s status unknown

ORONO – UMaine guard Ashley Underwood was back on the Memorial Gymnasium hardwood Monday after suffering a high ankle sprain during the second half of Saturday’s America East women’s basketball game against Maryland Baltimore County at Alfond Arena.

Underwood did not actively participate in Monday’s practice, but still sported her usual smile as she snacked on some animal crackers on the sideline.

“It’s not that bad. It feels good,” she said of her left ankle, which sported some bruising but did not appear overly swollen. “I’m hoping to play Wednesday [at Stony Brook].”

The junior from Benton is the Black Bears’ leading scorer this season, averaging 13.1 points per game, including 16.2 ppg in five conference contests.

While splitting time between shooting guard and point guard, Underwood has also been a defensive stalwart. Her 35 three-pointers, 40 assists and 18 steals are tops on the squad.

“Ashley has been such a major emotional leader for us, intensity-wise,” McInerney said. “She’s our offensive spark in scoring 3’s. This year she’s really added another dimension to her game and has become our best perimeter defender and really has improved her overall game.”

Underwood said she saw a doctor Monday to help reduce the amount of fluid in the ankle. While she suited up for practice, the former Cony High of Augusta standout was relegated to riding a stationary bicycle and receiving treatments in the training room.

Underwood suffered another setback not related to basketball Monday when she was involved in a car accident on the UMaine campus that put her vehicle out of commission.

“It’s been a bad week,” Underwood said.

As Underwood’s status appears questionable for Wednesday, the Bears will have to adjust accordingly. Margaret Elderton and Kris Younan share many of the point-guard minutes, but Bar Harbor’s Bracey Barker also may have to spend some time handling the ball if Underwood is out.

Her absence also likely would mean more minutes for shooting guards Brittany Bowen and Ameshia Bryant.

“It will be a challenge on the road,” McInerney said of Stony Brook. “Hopefully we’ll get Ashley back and, with or without Ashley, we’ll hopefully be ready to go on Wednesday.”