Box Score

WATERVILLE, Maine -- Guard Marissa Hesketh '08 (Tolland, Conn.) recorded a career high with 24 points, as the University of New England Nor'easters defeated the Thomas College Terriers, 57-45, in a non-conference women's basketball game Saturday at The Dog Pound.

After starting the season with three straight losses, the Nor'easters have won three consecutive decisions to reach the .500 mark.  Thomas recorded its first loss in three outings.

Hesketh poured in 14 points in the first half to help the Nor'easters build a 31-17 advantage.  She hit three shots to start the game as UNE put together a 10-0 run at the outset.

The Terriers recovered, however, and cut their deficit to three (14-11) at the 7:46 mark.  From there, the Nor'easters closed the half strong, outscoring the hosts 17-6 the rest of the way.  Once again, Hesketh knocked down three straight shots to ignite the spurt.

Thomas shot just 25.9 percent (7 of 27) and turned the ball over 15 times in the first frame.

UNE would hold a double-digit cushion nearly the entire second half and took their largest lead of the afternoon (44-26) with just over 11 minutes to play.

Hesketh was 12-for-16 from the floor, while also contributing seven rebounds and three steals.  Katie Diggins '10 (Merrimack, N.H.) posted a double-double with 11 points and a career-best 19 boards.  She also handed out seven assists and blocked three shots.

The winners overcame a season-high 29 turnovers by holding an insurmountable 54-34 margin on the glass.  They also were credited with assists on 15 of their 21 field goals.

Karen Demers '08 (Sanford, Maine) and Lea McNary '08 (Marlborough, Conn.) paced the Terriers with nine points apiece.

UNE will play its home-opener Wednesday (Dec. 5), taking on 2007 NCAA Tournament participant Maine Maritime Academy at 6:00 p.m.

(posted Dec. 1, 2007 | 19:20 ET)