BANGOR, Maine — The Husson University women's basketball opened its 2025–26 campaign in impressive fashion on Saturday evening, powering past St. Joseph's College of Maine, 89–74, at Newman Gymnasium.
The Eagles (1-0) rode a dominant offensive performance, balanced scoring across the lineup, and a decisive fourth-quarter surge to secure their first win of the season.
Husson wasted no time setting the tone, knocking down four early three-pointers and moving the ball with precision to open the game on a 24-18 first-quarter lead. The Eagles' offense clicked immediately as senior Danielle Dow hit from long range, senior Laela Martinez buried a pair of threes, and sophomore Lilly Roy converted a fast-break triple to spark the early run.
Inside, sophomore Saige Evans established control with strong finishes in the paint, while freshman Abby Radell provided an additional boost with tough rebounding and timely scoring. The Eagles assisted on 10 of their 10 made field goals in the opening period, highlighting their crisp ball movement and early offensive rhythm.
Husson continued to control the pace throughout the second frame. Radell and Roy each knocked down key jumpers, while freshman Jada Johnson added two baskets in transition to push the lead to double digits. The Eagles' defense came up big, forcing turnovers that led to easy baskets and holding the Monks (2-2) to just eight points over the first six minutes of the quarter.
Evans delivered one of the quarter's biggest plays, securing an inbounds pass with under a second left and finishing through contact at the buzzer to send Husson into halftime with a 45–35 advantage. Evans, Roy, and Dow combined for 28 first-half points as the Eagles entered the locker room with momentum and control.
The Monks battled back in the third, using second-chance opportunities and timely shooting from the perimeter to trim the deficit. Madison Lebel and Logan Brown sparked St. Joseph's with a pair of threes, while Maddie Russell attacked the rim to bring the visitors within single digits.
Husson countered with steady scoring from Martinez and Roy, who kept the Eagles' lead intact with strong drives and another deep three. Johnson added a jumper in transition, and freshman Sophia Carnes connected from beyond the arc to keep the margin at 61–54 heading into the final period.
The Eagles took over in the fourth quarter. Evans dominated the paint with multiple tough baskets inside, while Roy added a pair of layups off sharp interior passing from Martinez. With St. Joseph's attempting to mount a late comeback, Husson shut the door behind a 28-point final frame—their highest-scoring quarter of the game.
Martinez drilled a corner three to push the lead to 72–62, Roy followed with a fast-break finish, and Evans converted back-to-back jumpers to put the game out of reach. A late surge from Carnes and Dow sealed the 15-point win in the home opener.
Roy delivered a standout all-around performance, finishing with 16 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and one steal while controlling the pace throughout the evening. Evans posted a dominant double-double of her own with 19 points and 10 rebounds, adding four steals and a key presence inside.
Dow totaled 11 points with three timely three-pointers, while Martinez added 17 points with six assists and three made threes. Carnes provided a major spark off the bench with 11 points and excellent ball movement, and Johnson added eight points on efficient shooting with strong defensive minutes.
As a team, Husson shot 53 percent from the field, assisted on 27 of their 32 baskets, and outscored St. Joseph's 38–26 in the paint. The Eagles also dominated transition opportunities, scoring 13 fast-break points and converting 19 points off turnovers.
Husson returns to action at home on Tuesday when it hosts RV/No. 12 Bates College at 5:30 p.m.
