November 23, 2024
Sports

Bears set for finale Maine to honor four seniors

Kim Corbitt, Missy Traversi, Monica Peterson and Nicole Jay have combined to make a tremendous impact on the University of Maine women’s basketball team during the last four seasons.

Tonight at 7:30, the quartet will step onto the ice-chilled hardwood of Alfond Arena for their collegiate curtain call when UMaine entertains Maryland Baltimore County in their America East regular-season finale.

“These four seniors, they’ve been part of an amazing history here,” said coach Sharon Versyp. “They’re just wonderful people and they’ve really grown and shown some great leadership over the years.”

The seniors will be honored and will address the fans in a brief ceremony at the conclusion of tonight’s game.

Traversi, Peterson, Corbitt and Jay have combined to help UMaine post an 85-33 overall record (.720), claim three straight America East regular-season titles and last season win the league title and an NCAA Tournament appearance.

During their sophomore and junior seasons, this group helped the Bears post back-to-back 25-win seasons for the first time in program history.

Co-captain Corbitt has started at point guard the last three seasons. Her relentless pressure defense has set the tone for the Bears, while her efficient playmaking talents and her improved offensive output have made her one of the league’s best.

“She’s one of the best defenders I probably will ever coach and a consummate point guard who wants to get the ball to other people and thinks just like a coach,” Versyp said. “The one thing I’m more happy about than anything is the improvement with her leadership qualities and her communication skills and interpersonal skills.”

Corbitt, from Albany, N.Y., ranks third all-time at UMaine with 430 assists and has averaged 7.1 points per game in 28 minutes per game over four seasons.

Traversi, the other captain, has been the Bears’ offensive sparkplug and fast-break catalyst. Earlier this season, the Attleboro, Mass., native became UMaine’s 15th career 1,000-point scorer.

The two-year starter is a dangerous 3-point shooter and has averaged 9.3 points per game in 24 minutes per contest, including a team-high 13.4 ppg this season.

“When I recruited her shaw was all about excitement, fire, passion,” Versyp said. “and she’s increased that tenfold with us. She’s a go-to player, can score at will and is a great defender. She really has become a complete player.”

Peterson, from Wilimington, Del., has been a versatile performer both underneath and on the perimeter. She ranks sixth on the Bears’ career rebounds list with 794 and is 29 points shy of becoming UMaine’s 16th 1,000-point scorer.

The tenacious defender also has posted 13 career double-doubles. Peterson has averaged 8.2 ppg while playing almost 29 minutes per game in four seasons.

“She’s one of the best rebounders in Maine history and continues to elevate her game,” Versyp said. “Monica’s an extremely gifted player and I’m so proud of her maturity and growth over the four years.”

Jay has been a steadying presence on the squad. The center from Matawan, N.J., was a full-time starter as a sophomore and since has served as a backup in the post.

“I’m just so proud of Nicole and her persistence, her energy, her heart, her selflessness,” Versyp said. “She’s developed into a very solid post player but I’m proud of how she has improved her interpersonal skills and become a leader.


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