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BIDDEFORD, Maine -- The University of New England women's basketball team limited the University of Southern Maine to six field goals on just 20 percent shooting in the second half to turn a five-point deficit into a 58-44 season-opening victory Wednesday evening (Nov. 13) at Coach Beaudry's Court inside the Harold Alfond Forum.

Trailing 25-20 at halftime, the Nor'easters scored 16 points off USM turnovers in the final two quarters to help gain control of the contest.

Sydney Jenisch tallied a game-high 17 points to pace the UNE scoring attack. She added seven rebounds and a pair of steals. Faye Veilleux chipped in 14 points to go with three steals, while Maddy Werner offered a strong performance in her first collegiate game, accounting for 11 points and seven boards.

For the Huskies (1-1), Vanessa Vaughan and Lucy Wiles each scored 11 points. Wiles knocked down three shots from beyond the arc, and Vaughan led all players with eight rebounds.

After USM pushed its lead to seven (30-23) in the early stages of the third quarter, the Nor'easters went on a 9-1 run to take the lead for good. Werner keyed the spurt, knocking down a trey and adding a pair of buckets. UNE outscored the visitors 21-8 in the frame, with Werner and Jenisch combining for 15 points.

The Nor'easters took their largest lead of the game (17, 50-33) on a jumper by Veilleux with 6:19 remaining before coasting the rest of the way for their 14-point triumph. UNE has now won three consecutive meetings between the in-state rivals and sports a 14-4 record in the last 18 encounters.

Both teams had their troubles putting the ball in the basket with UNE shooting 33 percent (22 of 66) for the contest, while the Huskies converted just 28.3 percent (15 of 53) of their attempts. UNE shot it well from beyond the arc, however, going 6-for-16 (37.5 percent). USM earned a 45-39 advantage on the glass but was hampered by 24 turnovers, compared to just 10 for the hosts.

The Nor'easters are back in action Saturday when they host Anna Maria College at 1 p.m.