BRUNSWICK – Stefanie Pemper preaches the virtues of the “thinking athlete.” It helps that her players include a former valedictorian, a scholar who reads Greek and Latin, and another whose favorite motivational saying comes from a Nobel prize winner, not from Nike. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    VESTAL, N.Y. – Saturday was supposed to be a day of celebration for the Binghamton University women’s basketball team, which was playing its first home game in the new $33.1 million BU Events Center. The UMaine women spoiled the party. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    BANGOR – Maine Maritime Academy knew it would need a huge effort to beat Husson College in their North Atlantic Conference men’s basketball matchup Wednesday night. The Mariners let their big man set the tone. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
    BANGOR – Bowdoin College arrived in Bangor Tuesday night as the No. 1-ranked Division III women’s basketball team in the nation. The Polar Bears, the only remaining undefeated Division III team, didn’t suffer from cockiness or overconfidence. Instead, they exhibited championship-game intensity. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    BALTIMORE, Md. – The University of Maine pulled out to an early 12-0 lead, then held off a couple of determined rallies while posting a 60-45 America East women’s basketball victory over Maryland Baltimore County on Saturday night. Coach Sharon Versyp’s Black Bears improved to… Read More
    ORONO – With two of America East’s top post players squaring off Wednesday night, it might have seemed logical to think Heather Ernest of the University of Maine or New Hampshire’s Maren Matthias would be the big difference. Instead, it was the Black Bears’ speedy… Read More
    As a youngster, Danielle Clark enjoyed some fun times at the University of Maine’s Alfond Arena. Her travel team played during halftime of a UMaine women’s basketball game when she was 12. And she spent four or five seasons as one of the Black Bears’… Read More
    ORONO – Something, and perhaps more importantly someone, was missing Sunday afternoon at Alfond Arena. The University of Maine women’s basketball team struggled mightily on offense against a scrappy Southern Methodist team. And with emotional senior leader Melissa Heon sidelined by a thumb injury, the… Read More
    BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Cyndi Valentin and Leah Enterline scored five points each during a key 12-2 second-half scoring run Friday night, helping Indiana University earn a 67-58 women’s basketball victory over Maine at Assembly Hall. Coach Sharon Versyp’s Black Bears slipped to 4-3 and had… Read More
    BANGOR – The Husson College women’s basketball team must have taken note of the way the wind was whipping and swirling the snow around its campus Sunday afternoon. The Braves employed a similar tactic, whipping the University of Maine-Presque Isle with waves of hustling defenders… Read More
    ORONO – The University of Maine played outstanding defense Sunday afternoon against a talented Marquette ballclub. The Golden Eagles’ 1-1-3 zone was just a little bit more effective against the Black Bears. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
    ORONO – When you play the home team in the first round of its tournament, you’re expected to be the meal ticket to the championship game. Apparently, somebody forgot to tell Columbia it had been penciled into that role during the Dead River Co. Classic. Read More
    ORONO – The tropical memories of Hawaii are still fresh in the minds of players on the University of Maine women’s basketball team. But the Black Bears hope to turn up the heat at Alfond Arena this weekend during the 11th Dead River Co. Classic. Read More
    HONOLULU, Hawaii – Heather Ernest of Temple connected for a game-high 32 points and grabbed eight rebounds Sunday afternoon, powering the University of Maine women’s basketball team to a 75-62 victory over Hawaii in the consolation game of the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort Classic at the Sheriff Center. Read More
    BANGOR – The Husson College women’s basketball team has entered a Brave new world. Prior to the 2002-03 season, the program endured the defections of several veteran players. Even so, a youthful Husson team overcame the turmoil to post a 10-17 record and earn a… Read More
    ORONO – Coach Sharon Versyp and the members of the University of Maine women’s basketball team have always been quick to recognize the considerable efforts of their booster group, the Friends of Maine Women’s Basketball. Never has the FOMWB’s backing been more evident than this… Read More
    UNITY – Jessica Trundy scored 17 points, including 6 of 6 from the foul line, to lead the Eastern Maine Community College Golden Eagles to a 61-54 women’s basketball win over the Unity College Rams Tuesday night. Jessica Fitzmaurice chipped in with 14 points for… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Lakeesha Holloman scored 27 points and Meagan Lever added 18 as the Central Maine Community College of Auburn improved to 3-0 with an 82-44 basketball victory over the University of Maine-Augusta Thursday at the Augusta Civic Center. Jessica Newton added 13 points for… Read More
    ORONO – When the University of Maine and Creighton meet tonight in the first round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament, mental preparation may play as important a part as the physical aspects of the game in determining a winner. Coach Sharon Versyp’s 25-5 Black… Read More
    WOMEN’S NATIONAL INVITATION TOURNAMENT First Round googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0]… Read More
    WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – The University of Maine earned its way into the America East women’s basketball title game in surprisingly easy fashion Friday night. Though the 71-65 final score against No. 4 New Hampshire may not indicate it, the top-seeded Black Bears should be… Read More
    HARTFORD, Conn. – Monica Peterson is one of the toughest and most knowledgable players on the Maine women’s basketball team, according to coach Sharon Versyp. So why doesn’t she start? “I don’t like to start,” Peterson said with a smile after Friday’s America East Conference… Read More
    ORONO – Each of the last two seasons, the University of Maine’s basketball season has ended emotionally at the hands of the Hartford Hawks. The Black Bears look to end that trend tonight when they meet the Hawks in the quarterfinals of the America East… Read More
    BURLINGTON, Vt. – As the final 26.1 seconds ran off the clock Wednesday night at Patrick Gym, all the possibilities swirled through Kim Corbitt’s mind. “First, I was, like, well, do I shoot a ‘3,’ because she’s not guarding me? Then I was, like, well,… Read More
    AUGUSTA – Megan Woodcock is usually perfectly content to blend into the University of Maine-Farmington’s well-balanced offense. But when the Beavers allowed the College of St. Joseph to keep Monday night’s Sunrise Conference women’s championship game close well into the second half, the UMF senior… Read More
    ORONO – Albany coach Trina Patterson compared the University of Maine women’s basketball team to a fire. Her team’s aim Wednesday night was to keep that fire from burning out of control. The Black Bears were unable to torch the Great Danes with their usual… Read More
    BOSTON, Mass. – Northeastern University has thrived in the colorful confines of Cabot Gym this season, averaging 73.8 points per game. With UMaine in town Wednesday night, the offense didn’t come nearly as easily. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
    The Maine Maritime Academy women’s basketball team is coach Craig Dagan’s “baby.” And though the Mariners’ 7-year-old program is still in its formative stages, MMA is in the midst of a tremendous growth spurt as evidenced by Wednesday night’s 64-63 overtime win over Saint Joseph’s… Read More
    ORONO – The wins had been coming a bit too easily of late for the University of Maine women’s basketball team. And when you’re the No. 1 team in the conference, you have to expect the best effort from every single opponent. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    BOSTON – Lately, it doesn’t seem to matter which team the University of Maine women’s basketball team plays, or where. The Black Bears are on a roll. UMaine extended its winning streak to nine games Wednesday night, riding its smothering defense to a 59-37 America… Read More
    STONY BROOK, N.Y. – The University of Maine women’s basketball team didn’t allow Wednesday night’s win over Vermont to go to its head. The Black Bears avoided a potential letdown Saturday afternoon, storming out to an early lead on their way to a convincing 66-41… Read More
    VESTAL, N.Y. – The University of Maine women’s basketball team’s initial trip to Binghamton University last season resulted in a 14-point loss. This time, the Black Bears made sure the 10-hour ride home to Orono was much more enjoyable. UMaine turned in an impressive defensive… Read More
    GORHAM – Freshman forward Tiffany Jones of Skowhegan scored 20 points Thursday night to help lead the University of Southern Maine to a 54-51 women’s basketball victory over Salem State. Jess Libby of Orono had 14 points and eight rebounds for the Huskies. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
    PORTLAND – The University of Maine women’s basketball team demonstrated Saturday that unselfishness leads to great team chemistry. The Black Bears showed off tremendous teamwork while ambushing Yale with a 20-3 first-half scoring run that opened the door for a lopsided 92-62 victory in front… Read More
    ORONO – Getting to the foul line often and taking advantage of those opportunities are two key ingredients for winning basketball games. The University of Maine women proved that Thursday night, converting 27 of 33 foul shots on its way to a 67-55 America East… Read More
    BANGOR – Bowdoin College women’s basketball coach Stefanie Pemper scheduled Husson to give Bangor High School graduate Alison Smith the opportunity to play a game in front of her family and friends. Smith played a solid game Tuesday night, but she’ll have to excuse teammate… Read More
    ORONO – In the past, allowing an opponent to shoot 53 percent from the field would have meant almost certain defeat for the University of Maine women’s basketball team. Saturday afternoon, the Black Bears demonstrated that even when their defense is a bit more forgiving… Read More
    PEORIA, Ill. – The University of Maine opened the second half with an 11-0 scoring spurt Sunday afternoon, building a 17-point advantage on its way to an 80-70 women’s basketball victory over Bradley at Robertson Field House. Coach Sharon Versyp’s Black Bears unleashed a balanced… Read More
    UNITY – Lyndsey Smith scored 17 points to lead the Unity College Rams to a 46-38 women’s basketball win over Eastern Maine Technical College Thursday night. Natalie Foster and Roni Haverlock each scored 10 points for EMTC. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
    HANOVER, N.H. – Missed layups and free throws plagued the University of Maine women’s basketball team as Dartmouth downed the Black Bears 71-65 in a mutual season-opener Friday night at Leede Arena. Dartmouth goes to 1-0 while Maine falls to 0-1. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    Mary “Kissy” Walker, who guided the Husson College women’s basketball team to a 236-95 record and four trips to the NAIA Division II National Tournament in her 12 years as the head coach, has returned to act as an assistant coach for the program. Walker… Read More
    ORONO – Once in a while, coach Sharon Versyp gets an uneasy feeling about her University of Maine women’s basketball team’s mental readiness to play. Saturday was one of those days. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
    AUGUSTA – UMaine-Farmington coach Jamie Beaudoin said his team had its growing pains at the beginning of the year. After all, the Beavers have six freshmen and just one senior on their roster. Those young players displayed all the maturity and savvy of veterans Monday… Read More
    GORHAM – Meg Cressler scored 16 points to help the University of Southern Maine defeat Keene State 63-51 Friday and advance to today’s Little East Conference women’s basketball final. USM will play Eastern Connecticut College at 3 p.m. for the title. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    DURHAM, N.H. – University of Maine guard Melissa Heon enjoyed a triumphant homecoming by leading her Black Bears to a 68-65 America East women’s basketball victory over the University of New Hampshire Tuesday night. Heon was the game’s top scorer and the Bears’ catalyst, especially… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE – Rachel Merrill scored 20 points, hauled down 13 rebounds, and dished out three assists and Jen Nored contributed 17 points and seven rebounds as Maine Maritime Academy triumphed over the University of Maine-Presque Isle 70-60 in women’s basketball action Thursday night. Kate… Read More
    ALBANY, N.Y. – Kim Corbitt and Missy Traversi each made two free throws in the final 23 seconds Thursday night, helping the University of Maine hold on for a 59-53 America East women’s basketball victory over Albany at the Recreation and Convocation Center. The Black… Read More
    BANGOR – When traditional Maine Athletic Conference rivals Husson vs. Saint Joseph’s meet on the basketball court, the intensity and emotion are a notch higher than most regular-season games. So when the once-beaten Monks and the sub-.500 Braves squared off Thursday night, few who witnessed… Read More
    Sharon Versyp will have to add a shooting guard to her list of University of Maine women’s basketball recruits for the upcoming season. Freshman Kelly Manning, whom Versyp recruited as a shooter last year, has been forced to leave the team because of knee problems. Read More
    VESTAL, N.Y. – Sarah Cartmill connected for 24 points Saturday afternoon as Binghamton University picked apart the UMaine defense for 53 percent shooting on its way to an 85-71 America East women’s basketball victory at West Gymnasium. The Bearcats improved to 13-3 overall and assumed… Read More
    WEST HARTFORD, Conn. ? The University of Maine held Hartford without a field goal during a span of 13 minutes, 4 seconds in the second half Thursday night, paving the way for a 58-49 America East women’s basketball victory at the Chase Family Arena. Coach… Read More
    Maine vs. Vermont Time, site: Thursday, 7:30 p.m.; Alfond Arena, Orono googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0]… Read More
    Maine vs. Binghamton Time, site: Thursday, 7:30 p.m.; Alfond Arena, Orono googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0]… Read More
    WATERVILLE – Robert Pilsbury knocked down seven 3-pointers and totaled 35 points overall as the Husson College Braves blasted the winless Thomas College Terriers 98-37 in men’s basketball action Friday night. Ryan Rivera put in 15 for Husson. Randy Fletcher notched 12, and Scott Griffin… Read More
    DELAND, Fla. – Heather Ernest headed a list of four double-figure scorers with 18 points Saturday afternoon as the University of Maine women’s basketball team posted a 71-54 victory over Georgia Southern in the second round of theLady Hatter Classic at Stetson University. Ernest, a… Read More
    In less than a year, Husson College co-captains Leslie Trott and Kelly Dow have gone from younger players on a veteran, playoff squad to senior leaders on a very young team trying to find its identity and notch the first win of the season. This… Read More
    ORONO – A team’s character is best measured by how it handles adversity. After Saturday’s second-half performance against Xavier in the Dead River Company Classic consolation game, no one is likely to question the heart and resolve of the University of Maine women’s basketball team. Read More
    Life as a Division I basketball player or coach can be a bit lonely at times. Players leave their homes, families and friends to attend far-away colleges. They travel often during the season and wind up spending some holidays in strange places. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    DEAD RIVER CO. CLASSIC Maine vs. Bradley googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0]… Read More
    ATHENS, Ga. – The University of Georgia capitalized on its exceptionally tall and talented frontcourt lineup Sunday afternoon, overmatching Maine on its way to a convincing 88-57 victory at Stegeman Coliseum. The Black Bears had difficulty matching up with 15th-ranked Bulldogs, who went 6-foot-6, 6-4,… Read More
    ORONO – Last season, the University of Maine women’s basketball team had to pick and choose its opportunities to run. With increased quickness, more depth and better ballhandling, this year’s Black Bears should be much better able to play fast-break basketball effectively. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    Maine vs. Galatasaray Club (Turkey) Time, site: Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Alfond Arena, Orono googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if… Read More
    ORONO – Even though the season ended nearly three weeks ago, University of Maine women’s basketball coach Sharon Versyp has been busy lately. Not only are the Black Bears hoping to land another recruit during the late signing period that begins April 11, Versyp is… Read More
    The majority of Eastern Maine’s most talented schoolgirl basketball players wind up at the University of Maine, the state’s only Division I program. Holli Tapley is one of the rare exceptions. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
    BALTIMORE – The University of Maine baseball team opened its 2001 season in style on Sunday, posting a doubleheader sweep over Coppin State. The Black Bears earned a 23-2 win in the first game and prevailed 8-6 in the second. In the first game, the… Read More