BIDDEFORD, Maine -- The University of New England placed five players in double figures, as the Nor'easters opened Commonwealth Coast Conference play with a decisive 86-64 women's basketball victory over Endicott College on Wednesday evening (Nov. 29) at Coach Beaudry's Court inside the Harold Alfond Forum.

The Nor'easters, who led for nearly 39 of the contest's 40 minutes, improved to 5-2 overall. Endicott saw its season mark drop to 1-4. The tilt was a rematch of last season's CCC Championship semifinal, when the Gulls upset UNE by a score of 65-56.

Faye Veilleux paced the Nor'easters with 18 points on 8-for-13 shooting. She added five assists and three blocked shots. Jordyn Franzen went for 16 points and nine boards, while Kaylee Beyor recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 caroms. Gabby Soter (11 points) and Juliana Tracey (10) rounded out UNE's double-digit scorers. Tracey also led all players with six assists.

For the visiting Gulls, Sarah Dempsey scored a game-high 19 points. Emma Shinney chipped in with 12.

After Endicott got on the scoreboard first to open the contest, the hosts tallied the next six points to establish a lead they would never relinquish. The Nor'easters outscored the Gulls 24-15 in the opening quarter and 21-7 in the second to forge a commanding 45-22 cushion heading into halftime. UNE shot a torrid 52.8 percent (19 of 36) from the floor in the half, while holding Endicott to just 26.7 percent accuracy (8 for 30).

UNE would continue to control play after halftime, building its largest lead (28 at 76-48) midway through the fourth quarter.

The stat sheet was slanted in favor of the Nor'easters. UNE led in rebounds (44-32) and bench points (27-17), while field goal accuracy told the story. The Nor'easters made 50 percent of both their field goal attempts (32 of 64) and three-point tries (9 of 18). The Gulls shot 34.8 percent (23 of 66) from the floor and were just 1-for-21 from beyond the arc.

UNE will head to Springfield, Mass. this Saturday (Dec. 2) for a 1:00 p.m. showdown with Western New England University.