FARMINGTON, Maine - The University of Maine at Farmington blitzed the visiting VTSU Johnson Badgers on Tuesday afternoon, running away with an 86-44 victory in North Atlantic Conference (NAC) women's basketball action.

The Records:

Farmington secured its fourth straight victory, moving to 9-3 on the season while jumping to 7-1 in NAC action. Johnson fell to 3-11 overall and 2-5 in NAC play after the loss.

How it Happened:

Farmington got whatever it wanted on the offensive end of the floor in the opening quarter, dissecting the Badger defense to get good looks time and again en route to opening up a 21-point lead after ten minutes of action.

As a team, Farmington shot 10-of-18 from the floor and hit 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. Sophomore and Farmington's leading scorer, Jaydn Pingree (Jay, Maine), led the way in the quarter for the Beavers, piling up 11 points on 3-of-5 shooting and hitting a perfect 4-of-4 from the free throw line. Pingree, Melissa Mayo (Bridgton, Maine), Kytana Williamson (Nobleboro, Maine), and Ruby McMinis (Wells, Maine) all connected on triples in the first quarter for the Beavers.

Aside from their methodical offensive effort, the Beavers also played a smothering brand of defense, pressuring the Badgers for 94 feet and making life extremely tough while contesting every shot attempt. Farmington forced 12 turnovers and held Johnson to just 32.1% (6-for-26) shooting from the floor in the first half on its way to opening up a 44-18 lead heading into halftime.

Farmington kept its foot on the gas in the third quarter, with Pingree and junior Jessica Dow (Saco, Maine) combining to score 13 of the team's 26 points. Pingree didn't miss a shot on her way to posting seven points, while Dow tallied six and shared the wealth by dishing out two assists in the quarter as well.

The Beavers were able to empty their bench midway through the third after a 12-0 run took their 28-point lead up to a 40-point advantage.

Farmington cruised in the fourth quarter. Sophomore forward Liz Grondin (Jay, Maine) connected on a pair of triples to highlight the quarter for the Beavers.

Stats of the Game:

Farmington:
Field Goal Pct: 42.1% (32-for-76)
Three-Point Pct: 40.0% (10-for-25)
Free Throw Pct: 71.4% (10-for-14)
Rebounds (Total, Off-Def): 50 (15-35)
Turnovers: 11

Johnson:
Field Goal Pct: 26.0% (13-for-50)
Three-Point Pct: 18.8% (3-for-16)
Free Throw Pct: 62.5% (15-for-24)
Rebounds (Total, Off-Def): 33 (6-27)
Turnovers: 20

Leaders - Farmington:

• Pingree led all scorers with 23 points, shooting 8-of-12 from the floor and grabbing five boards in just 19 minutes of action.
• Audrey Mackie (South Thomaston, Maine) pitched in with 10 points, including knocking down a pair of three-balls.
• Dow stuffed the stat sheet with eight points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals in 19 minutes of action.
• Lilly Gray (Benton, Maine), Williamson, Mayo, Grondin, and Grace Dwyer (Manchester, Maine) also scored six or more points.

Leaders - Johnson:

• Kristie Zator led the way for the Badgers, posting a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double.
• Abbie Hernandez also finished in double figures, contributing 11 points to go with six boards and four assists.

UP NEXT

Farmington will head to Castine on Saturday afternoon for a crucial NAC battle with Maine Maritime Academy. Game time is set for 3:00 PM.