CASTINE, Maine — Senior Vanessa Duarte poured 17 of her career-high 28 points in the first quarter of Husson University women's basketball's 87-52 victory over the University of Maine-Presque Isle in the North Atlantic Conference quarterfinal.

Husson (17-5) jumped out to an early 27-14 edge over UMPI (13-10) thanks to Duarte's program record 17 points in the opening frame. 

Duarte went on to finish the first half with 23 points, helping the Eagles to a 40-29 edge at the halftime break. 

The third quarter was all Husson as they began the second half on a 27-15 scoring thanks to junior Bailey Donovan's 10 points in the quarter. 

The Eagles kept their scoring momentum going into the fourth quarter, closing out the Owls on a 20-8 scoring run to come away with the 87-52 victory. 

Donovan finished with a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double adding to her NCAA second-place tally of 18, while sophomore Makaelyn Porter tallied 13 points. 

Senior Megan Peach turned in a dominate performance from Husson, finishing with 10 points and a game-high 15 rebounds and five assists.

Husson finished shooting 48.7 percent from the floor and controlled a 55-26 edge on the boards including 22 offensive rebounds. 

The Eagles return to action on Saturday when they battle No. 1 seed Maine Maritime Academy at 2 p.m. for the NAC semifinal and East Division Championship.