JOHNSON, Vermont — Five players scored in double figures on Saturday afternoon as the University of Maine at Farmington women's basketball team defeated Vermont State University Johnson, 81-42, in a North Atlantic Conference (NAC) matchup.
Leading the way offensively for Farmington were Jaydn Pingree (Jay, Maine), Audrey Mackie (South Thomaston, Maine), Melissa Mayo (Bridgton, Maine), Sarah Poli (Benton, Maine), and Elizabeth Grondin (Jay, Maine), all of whom scored in double digits.
The Records:
Farmington improved to 6-8 overall and reached .500 in NAC play, moving to 3-3 against conference opponents. The Badgers remain winless on the season, dropping to 0-14.
How It Happened:
The opening quarter was competitive, with the Beavers holding a slim 14-12 lead after the first ten minutes. Faith Mead hit a three-pointer midway through the quarter to give Johnson a 5-3 lead. However, Farmington responded with a 7-0 run to take the lead and never looked back. This run was highlighted by a three-pointer and a jumper from Grondin.
Farmington began to pull away early in the second quarter, extending their lead to 11 points. The Beavers opened the quarter with a 9-0 run and held the Badgers scoreless for over eight minutes. A free throw from Kristie Zator ended the drought for Johnson.
After Isabel Akisson hit a layup to cut the deficit to 23-15, Farmington closed the quarter with five unanswered points, including a three-point play from Pingree, to take a 13-point lead into halftime.
The Badgers stayed within reach for the first five minutes of the third quarter, pulling within ten at one point. With Farmington leading 36-24, Mackie hit a three-pointer from the right corner to spark a 12-2 run that stretched the lead to 22 points. The Beavers shot an impressive 70.6% (12-for-17) from the field during the quarter. Mackie contributed nine of her 14 points in the third to lead the charge.
Farmington's offense continued to dominate in the fourth quarter. After taking a 23-point lead into the final frame, the Beavers scored the first 13 points to open up a 36-point advantage. Mayo hit back-to-back three-pointers, and Grondin added one of her own to ignite the run and seal the win.
Stats of the Game:
After scoring just 28 points in the first half and shooting 11-for-32 from the field, Farmington exploded for 53 points in the second half, shooting 21-for-33 (63.6%) from the floor. For the game, the Beavers shot 49.2% (32-for-65), while holding the Badgers to just 25.4% (15-for-49). Farmington's defense also forced 21 turnovers, leading to 19 points off turnovers. The Beavers dominated the boards, outrebounding Johnson 44-34.
Leaders - Farmington:
- Pingree came off the bench to score a team-high 15 points on 5-of-7 shooting. She also grabbed five rebounds and recorded two steals.
- Mackie finished with 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, in just 20 minutes of play.
- Mayo shot 4-of-5 from the field, including a perfect 3-of-3 from three-point range, finishing with 11 points, three rebounds, and three assists.
- Poli recorded 11 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, shooting 5-of-9 from the field.
- Grondin made her first career start and went 4-for-4 from the field, finishing with 10 points and five rebounds.
Leaders - Johnson:
- Zator led the Badgers with 15 points and nine rebounds.
- Riann Fortin added seven points and five rebounds.
Up Next:
The Beavers conclude their weekend trip to Vermont with a game against VTSU Lyndon tomorrow afternoon. Tip-off is set for 12:00 PM.
