Written by; Jameson Bloch '26
WATERVILLE, Maine — University of Maine at Farmington junior forward Jessica Dow (Saco, Maine) was named North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Player of the Week for the second time in two weeks and the fourth time this season. First-year forward Lily Gray (Benton, Maine) received NAC Rookie of the Week honors for the second time this season, the conference office announced on Monday afternoon.
The Beavers notched a 2-1 record this week, with both wins coming against conference opponents. Dow averaged 16.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks as she continues to excel on both sides of the ball. Gray averaged 9.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, continuing to provide the Beavers with productive minutes off the bench.
On Tuesday, the Beavers put up a strong fight against a tough opponent in Colby College. Dow posted 13 points and 3 rebounds while shooting 5-of-11 from the floor and finishing perfect from the free-throw line in three attempts. Gray, in limited time, shot 50 percent from the field and recorded two rebounds and a block against the NESCAC opponent.
The Beavers jumped into a conference game against VTSU Johnson on Friday, where both Dow and Gray finished in double figures, leading the Beavers to victory. Gray notched 10 points along with 7 rebounds and 2 steals. Dow had an efficient game, shooting 64 percent from the field and scoring 15 points, which tied for the team lead, while also collecting 3 assists and 2 steals.
On the second day of a back-to-back, both Dow and Gray had their best games of the week in a win over VTSU-Lyndon. Dow led the team in points, rebounds, and assists with 21, 14, and 5, respectively. She also made an impact on the defensive side of the ball, tallying a combined seven blocks and steals in the contest. Gray finished with 16 points off the bench, which ranked second on the team. She also added 5 rebounds and 3 assists in a key win for the Beavers.
Dow is averaging 11.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.7 steals during her junior campaign, while Gray is averaging 6.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game in her first year with the Beavers.
The Beavers' next contest comes on Saturday the 14th against Maine Maritime, with the regular-season NAC championship on the line.
