Statistics

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- The University of New England Nor'easters held University of Hartford scoreless for nearly seven minutes to open the contest on its way to a 71-58 Conference of New England (CNE) women's basketball win Saturday afternoon (Jan. 25) at Coach Beaudry's Court inside the Harold Alfond Forum.

The Nor'easters (10-7, 7-3 CNE) established a 10-0 advantage prior to Hartford getting on the scoreboard to take control in the wire-to-wire triumph. UNE's pesky defense held the Hawks to just 26.3 percent (5 of 19) accuracy from the floor in the first half while forcing 15 Hartford turnovers. The hosts doubled-up the Hawks over the opening 20 minutes to lead 30-15 at intermission.

Reigning CNE Player of the Week Sydney Jenisch scored 13 of her game-high 19 points in the first half to pace the UNE offense. Gabby Soter offered a strong all-around performance, finishing with 13 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals. Soter was 6-for-6 at the free throw line and has now knocked down her last 14 attempts. Maddy Werner contributed 12 points and eight boards before fouling out in the closing stages of the tilt.

Hartford (7-10, 5-5) was led by a 14-point effort from Lauren Sabia off the bench. Ella Marchesani tallied 12 points and Ava Naszimento had 10 to go with six rebounds. Maya Okoro paced all players with nine caroms.

The Nor'easters maintained a double-digit cushion the entire third quarter before building their largest lead of the contest (20 at 56-36) on a 3-pointer by Grace Boucher early in the fourth. Hartford chipped away and was able to close its deficit to 10 (67-57) with just inside a minute remaining.

Despite a height disadvantage, UNE was able to win the battle of the backboards (37-32) and committed nearly half the number of turnovers as the Hawks (13 UNE, 23 Hartford). Hartford did see its field goal percentage improve in the second half, shooting 46.7 percent (14 of 30) after the break.

The Nor'easters, who avenged a road loss to Hartford earlier in the season, will look to extend their winning streak to five when they travel to Boston to take on Suffolk University on Tuesday.