Statistics

GORHAM, Maine -- Four players notched either 14 or 13 points as the University of New England secured a 65-53 win to start the 2023-24 women's basketball season against the University of Southern Maine on Wednesday evening (Nov. 8) at Hill Gymnasium.

Kaylee Beyor tallied a game-best 14 points to pace the Nor'easters, who then received 13 apiece from Jordyn Franzen, Juliana Tracey, and first-year guard Sydney Jenisch. Tracey only missed twice, collected a team-high seven rebounds, and led all players with six assists, while Franzen hauled in six boards to support a 43-35 edge on the glass. All four shot better than 50 percent from the floor, as UNE connected on 26-of-51 field goals in the contest and dished out 20 helpers.

The visitors only trailed for a few minutes at the start, and built a 13-8 cushion before things were back even by the end of the 1st quarter. Following ties at 15-all and 18-18, the Nor'easters then closed the initial half on a 15-2 run, shooting 60 percent (9-of-15) in the 2nd and limiting the Huskies to just 3-for-15. Jenisch accounted for 11 of the final 13 to push the spread into double digits.

The 3rd period had more of the same efficiency rates -- 64 percent for UNE (7-of-11), and 26 percent by USM (5-of-19). The Nor'easters extended the gap to as many as 20 (43-23), and settled on a 49-32 gap through 30 minutes.

For Southern Maine, Tara Flanders, Tamrah Gould, and Liz Cote each scored 12 points. The Huskies grabbed 16 offensive rebounds in the match, but were only able to net two points on those extra chances.

UNE heads for Wesleyan University (Conn.) this weekend to participate in the Courtyard by Marriott Classic, with games against Albertus Magnus College (Saturday) and the host Cardinals (Sunday) on the docket.