Written by: Aaron Goschke '25
FARMINGTON, Maine - The University of Maine at Farmington women's basketball team concluded their regular season this past Saturday with a narrow 71-68 defeat to the visiting Husson Eagles. With the loss, the Beavers closed out the 2024-2025 regular season with an 11-13 overall record, and a 7-6 record in North Atlantic Conference (NAC) play.
Overview:
The Beavers locked up the #3 seed in this weekend's upcoming NAC East Tournament, garnering a 3-5 record against NAC East opponents. The Maine Maritime Mariners secured the #1 seed, and holds the privilege of hosting this year's tournament after finishing the season with a stellar 21-4 overall record, and a flawless 13-0 record in NAC play. The Husson Eagles come in as the #2 seed, with a 14-11 overall record, an 11-2 record in NAC play, and a 6-2 record against NAC East opponents. The Thomas Terriers anchored the #4 seed, coming in with a 7-17 overall record, a 7-6 record in NAC Play and a 3-5 record against NAC East opponents.
The 2025 NAC East tournament will start on Friday, February 21st at Smith Gymnasium on the campus of Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, Maine. The #1 seeded Mariners will face off against the #4 seeded Terriers at 5:30 PM, followed by the #2 seeded Eagles will play the #3 seeded Beavers at 7:30 PM. Maine Maritime will not charge admission.
In the NAC West Division, The SUNY Cobleskill Tigers clinched the #1 overall seed in the west, showcasing a strong 21-4 overall record and an impressive 11-2 in NAC play. The VTSU Lyndon Hornets secured the #2 spot with a 10-14 overall record and a 7-6 NAC tally. The #3 seed went to the Lesley Lynx, who finished with a 10-15 overall record and 4-9 in conference games. Rounding out the top four, the VTSU Johnson Badgers claimed the #4 seed, managing a 3-21 overall record and a 2-11 mark against NAC opponents.
Season at a Glance:
Farmington:
The Beavers clinched their first playoff berth since the 2021-2022 season, propelled by a stellar six game stretch from December 14th to January 19th where they went 5-1 in NAC play.
Jessica Dow, a sophomore standout for the UMF Beavers, has been a pivotal player throughout the 2024-2025 season, demonstrating exceptional value on both ends of the court. A formidable defender, Dow has earned three NAC Defensive Player of the Week awards, showcasing her ability to disrupt opponents averaging 2.4 steals per game (3rd in the NAC) and 1.2 blocks per game (5th in the NAC). Offensively, she has been just as impactful, leading the team in scoring, averaging 13 points per game (7th in the NAC) including a career-high of 32 points against RPI. Dow has also proved to be somewhat of a glass cleaner, garnering 6.9 rebounds per game (8th in the NAC). Her all-around performance has been highlighted by her contributions across the board, as seen in the season opener against Plymouth State where she tallied 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, leading the Beavers to a 58-53 win. Dow's versatility has made her an invaluable asset to the Beavers.
Jaydn Pingree has quickly become an integral part of the UMF Beavers in her first season, making a strong impression as a rookie. Her remarkable performances have earned her three NAC Rookie of the Week awards, highlighting her pivotal role on the team. Pingree's standout moments include leading the scoring in the victory over VTSU Johnson with 15 points, which contributed to an impressive 81-42 win. The very next day she dropped 18 points in a 68-63 win over VTSU Lyndon, capping off a stellar trip to Vermont. She also played a key role in the team's win over University of Maine at Presque Isle, scoring 21 points that helped secure a 62-57 victory. Pingree's ability to produce at a high level, has not only made her a key player for the Beavers but also a promising talent for future seasons.
Other key players for the Beavers include Senior Forward Sarah Poli, who is 7th in the NAC with 7.2 rebounds per game, as well as Senior Guard Grace Dwyer, who is averaging 1.1 steals per game. Audrey Mackie, a sophomore forward who played her first game for the Beavers on January 6th, has quickly made her presence felt. In 12 games, Mackie is averaging 7.8 points per game, 4.1 rebounds per game, and is shooting 35.9% from beyond the arc. Sophomore guard Melissa Mayo (Bridgton, Maie) has also provided meaningful scoring for Farmington this season. Mayo has the ability to get hot in an instant. Mayo hit three or more threes in eight games this season. Poli, Dwyer, Mackie, and Mayo provide exceptional depth and contribute in multiple facets of the game.
Led by 4th-year Head Coach Nate Carson, Assistant Coach Noah Carroll, and an extremely vocal bench, the Beavers have clinched a NAC playoff berth for the first time since the 2021-2022 season.
Maine Maritime:
Ranked 70th nationally, and touted as a Tier 4 team by the MPI Ranking, the Maine Maritime Mariners are in a league of their own within the North Atlantic Conference. With a 21-4 overall record, the Mariners had some impressive non-conference wins. They bested Wheaton (MA), Otterbein, Colby, St. Joseph's (ME), Babson, and Coast Guard. As well as flaunting a perfect 13-0 record in NAC play. The Mariners won those 13 games with ease, by an average margin of 33.5 points. They also boast the best defense in the conference, holding their opponents to an average of just 51.5 points across 25 games.
The Mariners are led offensively by a balanced scoring attack. Sydney Briscoe is averaging 11.8 points per game (9th in the NAC). The senior Forward is also garnering 9.9 rebounds per game (3rd in the NAC). Senior Guard Erianna Moore is another player to look out for, averaging 11.5 points per game (10th in the NAC) and leading the NAC in assists per game with 4.4.
Husson:
The Husson Eagles come in as the #2 seed in the NAC East. After a shaky 0-6 start, the Eagles turned it around when conference play started. Despite losing their first conference game to the Mariners of Maine Maritime Academy, Husson went on an impressive 10 game winning streak in conference and finished 11-2 in NAC play. This included an impressive statement win over SUNY Cobleskill, the eventual #1 seed out of the NAC West.
The Eagles are led by remarkable offensive rebounding (2nd in the NAC). As well as exceptional defense, they average 14.2 steals per game as a team (1st in the NAC) and 2.96 blocks per game (4th in the NAC). Husson is led by Senior Guard Hannah Richards, who leads the Eagles in scoring and is averaging 3.4 assists per game (5th in the NAC). Jordyn Lengle is another player to watch, a tenacious rebounder who averages 7.8 rebounds per game (5th in the NAC).
Thomas:
Coming in as the 4th and final seed in the NAC East playoffs are the Thomas Terriers. Despite going 0-11 in a grueling non-conference schedule the Terriers turned the tides in NAC play, going 7-6 and clinched a playoff spot.
The Terriers are led by Senior Forward Sky Kubwalo, who averaged 11.1 points per game (11th in the NAC), and averaged 6.4 rebounds per game (11th in the NAC) across 21 games played. Junior Guard Elena Alderman has also produced for Thomas, averaging 9.6 points per game (19th in the NAC)
The Terriers are hoping to upset juggernaut Maine Maritime on Friday..
Season Matchups:
Of the remaining four teams in the NAC East, the Beavers went 1-5. Being swept by Maine Maritime and Husson, and splitting the season series with Thomas. UMF hopes to change the narrative in the conference tournament, making a deep run and winning a NAC Championship.
Historically Speaking:
The NAC implemented the East and West Divisions during the 2020-21 season, but due to COVID, there was no conference tournament. Last season was the third year that the conference had East and West Divisional tournaments. A season ago the Maine Maritime Mariners repeated as NAC Champions with a 78-62 win over NAC West Champion SUNY Cobleskill. Erianna Moore was named NAC Tournament MVP. The Beavers will look to spoil Maine Maritime's hopes at a third straight NAC Championship.
