WATERVILLE, Maine — The Husson University women's basketball team opened North Atlantic Conference play with a defensive battle on Friday night, edging Thomas 53–52 on the road at Larry Mahaney Gymnasium. 

The Eagles (2-1, 1-0 NAC) led nearly the entire way, including a 19–13 advantage after the first quarter and a 29–22 lead at halftime, before holding off a late Terriers (2-3, 0-1 NAC) push to secure their first conference victory of the season.

Husson set the tone early, scoring seven of the game's first nine points behind strong paint touches and a quick start from freshman Abby Radel and sophomore Saige Evans. The Eagles were active defensively from the outset, generating steals, disrupting passing lanes, and forcing Thomas into difficult shots. A three-pointer from senior Laela Martinez helped extend the early advantage as Husson closed the opening quarter with a 19–13 lead.

The second quarter unfolded at a much slower pace, but Husson's rebounding presence and persistence around the rim allowed the Eagles to maintain control. Senior Danielle Dow and sophomore Lilly Roy repeatedly extended possessions with offensive rebounds, and freshman Sophia Carnes provided a lift off the bench with timely scoring. Husson took a 29–22 lead into the half after limiting Thomas to just nine points in the period.

The Eagles continued to battle through a physical third quarter as Thomas made its strongest push of the night. The Terriers opened the half on a 7–0 run to tie the game at 29, but Roy quickly answered with a three-pointer to swing momentum back in Husson's favor. Both teams traded baskets over the next several minutes, with Evans, Dow, and Radel combining to stabilize the offense while the Eagles worked to regain their defensive footing. Husson entered the fourth quarter holding a narrow 38–38 edge after Thomas clawed its way back into contention. 

In the final frame, Husson showed composure in one-possession situations. Evans delivered key baskets in the lane and converted an important free throw sequence to keep the Eagles in front. Roy added another steady scoring stretch in the quarter, while Carnes attacked closeouts effectively to provide needed spacing. Husson protected the ball in the final minute and secured the defensive rebound it needed as time expired to seal the 53–52 win.

Husson's top contributors turned in balanced efforts on both ends of the floor. Roy paced the Eagles with 13 points while adding eight rebounds and two assists during her team-high 34 minutes. Evans finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, and three steals while providing key defensive stops throughout the game. 

Dow nearly posted a double-double with nine rebounds to go with four points and three assists, anchoring Husson's presence on the glass. Radel added eight points while finishing efficiently around the rim, and Carnes contributed five points and four rebounds in an important two-way performance. Martinez chipped in six points and five boards, including a first-half three-pointer that helped establish Husson's early lead.

Husson outrebounded Thomas 44–42 and forced 21 turnovers, turning those into 20 points. The Eagles also posted 15 second-chance points and 20 points in the paint, both of which proved decisive in a defensive matchup where every possession mattered. 

The Eagles continue conference play tomorrow as they look to build on their early NAC success in a road matchup with Lesley University at 3 p.m.