CASTLETON, Vermont - First-year forward Jessica Dow (Saco, Maine) broke out of any early season shooting slump in a big way, finishing with 23 points of 7-15 shooting from the field and 9-13 shooting from the free throw line. Dow also finished with six points, three assists, and four steals en route to being named to the Spartan Classic All-Tournament Team. The big game from Dow helped the Beaver pick up their first win of the season, 59-51 over New England College.

The 1st quarter belonged to the Beavers as they were able to get their offense rolling early after an off shooting day Friday evening against Castleton. First-year Melissa Mayo (Bridgton, Maine) hit consecutive three pointers in the opening 2:45 to help the Beavers mount an early five point lead. A three-pointer from senior captain Jaycie Stevens (Pittston, Maine) helped the Beavers mount an eight point lead going into the 2nd quarter.

After being held to just seven points in the opening quarter, the Pilgrims got going offensively in the 2nd quarter, scoring 23 points to tie the game up at halftime. A pair of free throws from Dow at the 2:55 mark of the 2nd quarter helped the Beavers extend their lead up to 11. The Pilgrims responded with an 11-0 run to end the quarter. Krystle Medrano hit five out of her six free throws to lead the run for the Pilgrims. 

The scoring run for the Pilgrims stretched out to a 19-0 run going into the 3rd quarter as they were able to score the first eight points of the 2nd half until a jumper from Dow got the Beavers back on track. A pair of free throws from Mackenzie McDonald and a layup from Kathleen Rodriguez extended the lead to double digits at 42-32. The Beavers answered with a z-0 run to end the quarter as the Pilgrims led 42-39 entering the 4th quarter. 

Farmington took control of the game in the 4th quarter and down the stretch en route to picking up the victory. Back to back layups from Down to open the quarter tied game up at 43 apiece. After a quick 4-0 spurt from the Pilgrims, the Beavers responded with a big 12-0 momentum swinging run. Dwyer was a key factor for the Beavers during the quarter, hitting a massive three, and five three throws to help ice the game. Ruby McMinis (Wells, Maine) added a dagger three of her own down the stretch.

Dow finished with the game-high 23. Dwyer added 15 points on 3-6 shooting from beyond the arc and 6-7 from the free throw line. She also added four rebounds. 

The Pilgrims were led by Makiah Scott and Rodriguez who finished with 18 and 17 points respectively. The Beavers shot 31.8% (16-51) for the game but shot a crucial 76.9% (20-26) from the free throw line this afternoon en route to taking 3rd place at the Spartan Classic.

UP NEXT 

The Beavers travel to Bates College on Tuesday evening for a non-conference contest with the Bobcats. Tip-off is set for 7 PM.