ORONO – Not since 1999 has the University of Maine women’s basketball team gone into the America East Tournament as the odds-on favorite.

But when the Black Bears take the court next Thursday at Chase Family Arena in West Hartford, Conn., it will be UMaine that everyone is looking to knock off for the right to play in the NCAA Tournament.

After a couple of lean seasons during which UMaine demonstrated steady progress, coach Sharon Versyp finally has enough talent, experience, and depth to guide the Bears to the NCAAs.

“If Maine stays healthy, I definitely think that they can win it all and represent the conference at the NCAA Tournament,” said Stony Brook coach Trish Roberts. “Maine is an overall balanced team. They’re strong inside and they’ve got good perimeter players, they’ve got good shooters, they’ve got players who can penetrate.”

The Bears hope to demonstrate that balance in Hartford – and beyond.

Battle-tested

One of the biggest reasons for UMaine’s optimism heading into the postseason is the extensive experience of its junior class.

Heather Ernest of Temple, Melissa Heon, and Julie Veilleux of Augusta have battled through three seasons for the Bears, playing an incredible number of minutes along the way. All the while, they have improved their skills and their on-court chemistry.

“I think this junior class has really experienced a lot in the last 21/2 years,” Versyp said. “Those three have to really guide us into the tournament and I think they have those leadership qualities, all in their own different ways.”

Player of the Year candidate Ernest is the unquestioned go-to player for UMaine. She is slippery in the paint, rebounds hard, and also can shoot the 3-pointer.

Heon serves as one of the Bears’ defensive stoppers, usually guarding the opponent’s top scoring guard or small forward. She also is speedy in the open court and is a 3-point threat.

The versatile Veilleux has a knack for hitting shots when UMaine needs them most. She’s a tough matchup on the perimeter and also can defend either a guard or a bigger frontcourt player.

Fifth-year player Ellen Geraghty also lends experience and leadership to the squad. The Bears’ captain is a tireless hustler and 3-point shooter coming off the bench.

Geraghty also has the benefit of having been on the only UMaine team to win an NCAA Tournament game four years ago.

The past two seasons, Ernest, Veilleux, and Heon have walked off the court after the America East quarterfinals physically and psychologically exhausted. This time, their supporting cast is improved and more substantial.

Solid sophomores

Another reason UMaine is favored to win the America East title is the contributions of its solid sophomore class.

Point guard Kim Corbitt has come into her own as one of the league’s most tenacious on-the-ball defenders. She also is among AE’s top point guards because of her ballhandling skills and explosive playmaking ability.

Versatile guard Missy Traversi remains a good 3-point shooter and floor general who is adept at running the floor. Monica Peterson, who can play small or power forward, gives the Bears a strong rebounder, polished finisher, and tough defender inside or on the perimeter.

Nicole Jay, a 6-foot-6 center, has made big strides and provides an imposing presence in the paint.

New kids on the block

UMaine also has utilized its promising freshman class, which is led by post threat Abby Schrader, who has been a regular in the rotation this season. She can score and rebound and is a good passer.

Swing player Katherine Quackenbush, power forward Andrea Gay, and shooting guard Kara Hickman provide depth off the bench as does senior Pam Cruz.

“We have a pretty deep bench and people who can come in,” Ernest said. “There really is no letdown of intensity or talent.”

Versyp said to succeed at the America East tourney, UMaine must be focused and intense while still maintaining the loose demeanor that has gotten the Bears this far.

“We’ll just keep doing what we’re doing,” Versyp said. “It’s being fired up, but not too fired up; keeping the emotions in check, keeping the mindset very solid.”