BANGOR, Maine - The Husson University women's basketball team opened their North Atlantic Conference slate with an 88-54 win over the Owls of the University of Maine at Presque Isle for their eight straight conference-opening victory. With the victory, the Eagles improve to .500 overall at 3-3 and 1-0 in the NAC while the Owls suffer their first loss of the season at 4-1 and 0-1 in conference play. 

Husson opened the contest scoring the first nine points of the contest as they led 27-8 after the first quarter thanks to eight different scorers. The second quarter was more even as the Eagles won the quarter, 18-16, as they took a 45-24 lead into the locker rooms. Sophomore Makaelyn Porter led the Eagles at halftime with ten points while fellow sophomore Trinity Montigny chipped in eight points. Alexis Ireland led the Owls with 15 points including all eight Owl points in the first quarter. 

In the second half, the Owls were able to cut the lead down to as little as 14 but a 19-2 run in the fourth quarter including back-to-back threes from both junior Cassie Urso and senior Vanessa Duarte as well as junior Bailey Donovan's first collegiate three to ensure the Eagles the victory. 

HUSSON STATS

• Duarte led the Eagles with 19 points and nine rebounds as all ten players recorded points with four starters reaching double figures. 

• Urso used five three pointers to record a career-high 17 point afternoon with six rebounds. 

• First year Roxanne Sasse recorded her first minutes as an Eagles in the victory as she scored three points in 11 minutes play. 

• The green and gold went 60% (9-of-15) from behind the arc while the Owls slumped at 23% (3-of-13).

UMAINE-PRESQUE ISLE STATS 

• Ireland knocked down 11 free throws as she scored a game-high 21 points and pulled down nine rebounds. 

• The Owls struggled offensively in the contest as they shot 32% (3-of-13) from the field, however, they outscored the Eagles in the paint, 26-24. 

UP NEXT!

The Eagles and Owls face-off again but this time at Wieden Hall in northern Maine to complete their conference set with tip-off scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 8th.